With snow piling up in many New York communities this winter, you may be wondering at what age should you stop shoveling snow?
The chore, while mundane to some, can actually be quite dangerous and even fatal to people with underlying health conditions. According to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, nearly 200,000 adults were treated in emergency rooms for snow-shovel-related accidents between 1990 to 2006, and more than 1,600 deaths were reported in that time frame, USA TODAY reported.
Snow shoveling is a vigorous activity, one that puts a lot of demand on the body’s heart and musculoskeletal system, according to Bethany Barone Gibbs, an epidemiology and biostatistics professor at West Virginia University and American Heart Association volunteer.
Here’s what to know about snow shoveling safety.
How old is too old to shovel snow?
There’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to what age you should stop clearing your own driveway in the winter but adults over the age of 45 “should be cautious” as they stand to be part of an age group that has a higher risk of injury or fatality when snow shoveling, according to the American Heart Association.
The association also advises people with any heart or musculoskeletal conditions – such as known or suspected heart conditions, high blood pressure or high cholesterol or impaired balance – to take extra care when shoveling snow. The same goes for those who regularly smoke, are very inactive, are obese or are habitually sedentary.
How to reduce risk of injury when shoveling snow
The first, and perhaps most obvious, answer is to ask someone in good health to complete the chore. If that’s not in the cards, plenty of precautions can be followed.
Shovel a little at a time, take breaks and dress appropriately.
Experts also suggest to push or sweep snow rather than lifting and throwing it because that involves less exertion. If the wind is blowing, be extra-careful. Wind makes temperatures feel colder than it actually is and also impacts the body.
Snowblowers are also safer and faster to clear a path rather than relying on a shovel. Research shows using a snowblower raises the heat rate to about 120 beats a minute compared with a heart rate of about 170 beats a minute when shoveling, according to the American Heart Association.
How does shoveling snow affect your heart?
There are five main stressors on the heart when shoveling snow, Dr. Barry Franklin, retired American Heart Association expert, said in a news release:
What are common symptoms of a cardiac event?
According to the American Heart Association, common symptoms of a cardiac event, like a heart attack, include chest pain or pressure, lightheadedness, heart palpitations and irregular heart rhythms.
If you experience any of these symptoms while doing yard work this winter, stop. If the symptoms don’t cease immediately, call 911.
Includes reporting by USA Today network
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: At what age should you stop shoveling snow? Experts warn about risks
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
