Health News
Most portions of the U.S. are expected to experience a snowier-than-usual winter, according to the 2009 Farmer?s Almanac. Unfortunately, this means we will all be shoveling our driveways and sidewalks more often. Shoveling snow is a moderate-intensity exercise that could result in injury if done incorrectly.
Follow these tips to stay snow-safe this winter season. It will take some preparation, but your legs, back and heart will thank you:
? Before shoveling, warm up your muscles in your legs, arms, shoulders and back by stretching.
? If you must stand on ice, put down salt or sand to give your feet some traction. To maintain the best balance, stand with feet apart at hip-width.
? Use an ergonomic shovel with a bend in the handle ? it will save your back by permitting you to bend less. When you do need to bend, bend at your knees.
? Spray the dish of the shovel with olive oil before you start. The oil will help the snow easily slide on and off.
? To give yourself the best leverage, space your hands apart on the shovel handle.
? Don?t put too much snow on the shovel at once. Shovel only truly manageable amounts of 1 to 2 inches at a time.
? Protect your back by tightening your stomach muscles while you lift.
? That said, if you can, push the snow instead of lifting it.
? Walk to drop the snow rather than throwing it, but if you must throw it, do not bend at the waist, but instead rotate your entire body to face the direction of the throw.
? Slow down. Most injuries occur when people try to shovel too quickly.
? Take a break every 5 to 10 minutes to regain your breath. Shoveling snow is like weightlifting, and if you don?t take breaks, you put could yourself at risk for heart attack.
? If you are overweight, elderly, or have a history of heart or back problems, you should forego shoveling snow altogether and use a snow blower or else have someone else shovel your snow.
Orthopedic experts at LifeBridge Health are available to talk about winter-related joint injuries and pain. For more information, call 410-601-WELL (9355).
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Health News
The Great White Death Commeth: How to Safely Shovel Snow
Most portions of the U.S. are expected to experience a snowier-than-usual winter, according to the 2009 Farmer?s Almanac. Unfortunately, this means we will all be shoveling our driveways and sidewalks more often. Shoveling snow is a moderate-intensity exercise that could result in injury if done incorrectly.
Follow these tips to stay snow-safe this winter season. It will take some preparation, but your legs, back and heart will thank you:
? Before shoveling, warm up your muscles in your legs, arms, shoulders and back by stretching.
? If you must stand on ice, put down salt or sand to give your feet some traction. To maintain the best balance, stand with feet apart at hip-width.
? Use an ergonomic shovel with a bend in the handle ? it will save your back by permitting you to bend less. When you do need to bend, bend at your knees.
? Spray the dish of the shovel with olive oil before you start. The oil will help the snow easily slide on and off.
? To give yourself the best leverage, space your hands apart on the shovel handle.
? Don?t put too much snow on the shovel at once. Shovel only truly manageable amounts of 1 to 2 inches at a time.
? Protect your back by tightening your stomach muscles while you lift.
? That said, if you can, push the snow instead of lifting it.
? Walk to drop the snow rather than throwing it, but if you must throw it, do not bend at the waist, but instead rotate your entire body to face the direction of the throw.
? Slow down. Most injuries occur when people try to shovel too quickly.
? Take a break every 5 to 10 minutes to regain your breath. Shoveling snow is like weightlifting, and if you don?t take breaks, you put could yourself at risk for heart attack.
? If you are overweight, elderly, or have a history of heart or back problems, you should forego shoveling snow altogether and use a snow blower or else have someone else shovel your snow.
Orthopedic experts at LifeBridge Health are available to talk about winter-related joint injuries and pain. For more information, call 410-601-WELL (9355).
- Midwest Pollen Count Indicates That Seasonal Allergies Are Expected To Be Worse Than Usual This Year
Seasonal allergy sufferers beware. Allergy season is officially here and is predicted to be worse than usual, says a news release from Chicago's Loyola University Health System. image from healthguru.comAfter weeks of evaluation, the...
- Celebrating National Healthcare Facilities And Engineering Week
If you're a patient in a hospital, there are obviously clinical staff members that you will see regularly, from a physician to a technician. But this week we're celebrating the unsung heroes of LifeBridge Health: the dedicated Maintenance and...
- The Volunteers Are Coming!
Ahhhh spring: a time for new beginnings. Winter coats are stored away. Shoveling 50 inches of snow is a bad memory. Grocery store stampedes are over for now. Here at LifeBridge Health, spring means eager bright young volunteers will be showing up. The...
- Snow Notes
LifeBridge Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention remind you to follow the following winter weather tips to stay healthy during this inclement weather.When headed outside, remember to wear a hat, a scarf, sleeves that are snug at the...
- Thank You To Our Volunteers!
Between the December snowstorm and the one last weekend, LifeBridge Health would like to give a big thanks to our volunteers with 4-wheel-drive vehicles. Many of these volunteers selfishly give up their "snow days" to help essential personnel make it...