Greater Cincinnati is bracing for heavy snowfall, with Winter Storm Fern expected to impact the area this weekend.
All counties in the Greater Cincinnati region are under a winter storm warning, with 8 to 12 inches of snow possible, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, meaning residents will have to brave the cold to shovel and clear off sidewalks and driveways.
Experts warn shoveling can be a dangerous activity, especially for older adults and those with heart conditions.
How old is too old to shovel snow? Here’s what to know about staying safe while shoveling your driveway.
How old is too old to shovel snow?
Experts haven’t pinpointed an exact age for when it’s best to retire from snow shoveling, and the recommendations they do have can vary widely.
Adults over 45 should exercise caution when shoveling snow, according to a spokesperson for the American Heart Association, also call the AHA. Those with known or suspected heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol are particularly at risk, the association noted.
Additionally, individuals who smoke, are obese or lead a sedentary lifestyle should take extra care.
Is snow shoveling dangerous? Why snow shoveling can strain the heart
Shoveling can pose risks if not done correctly. There are five main stressors on the heart when shoveling snow, retired AHA expert Dr. Barry Franklin said in a news release:
Shoveling snow can put some people at risk of a heart attack, according to the National Safety Council, also called the NSC. Sudden exertion, such as moving hundreds of pounds of snow after being sedentary for several months, can put a big strain on the heart. Pushing a heavy snow blower can also cause injury.
Additionally, cold weather can increase heart rate and blood pressure. It can make blood clot more easily and constrict arteries, which decreases blood supply. This is true even in healthy people, the NSC writes.
How to safely shovel snow
Perhaps the most obvious way to avoid injury during the winter is to have someone else do the heavy lifting for you. However, if that’s not possible, Franklin advised the following, per an AHA news release:
Franklin also recommended using a snow blower instead of a shovel. Using a snow blower raises the heart rate to roughly 120 beats per minute, compared with a heart rate of about 170 while shoveling, he said.
How to reduce injury while snow blowing
Have access to a snow blower? The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends the following safety tips for avoiding injury:
What are common symptoms of a heart attack?
According to the AHA, common symptoms of a heart attack include:
“If you experience any of these symptoms while shoveling snow, stop immediately,” the association advises. “If symptoms persist, call 911.”
How much snow could Ohio get?
There is a high probability for at least 8 inches of snow across Greater Cincinnati, with higher chances for areas near and southeast of Interstate 71. There is an 88% chance the core of Greater Cincinnati, which includes Hamilton County and nearby Northern Kentucky, will receive at least 8 inches of snow, according to the weather service. The area around Walton has an even higher chance at 92%.
The heaviest precipitation is expected Saturday night through mid-day Sunday. Light snow is expected to begin Saturday afternoon.
On Friday morning, this was the accumulation timeline projected by the weather service:
We’ve marked this story free to all users in the interest of public safety. Please consider supporting local journalists covering the community through a subscription.
Contributing: Alex Perry, Mariyam Muhammad, Manahil Ahmad and Greta Cross.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: How old is too old to shovel snow? Experts weigh in on the risks
Reporting by Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
