Who Shouldn't Shovel Snow Themselves?

Shoveling looks like a simple chore, but it is hard work done in the cold, and every winter it sends people to the emergency room. Most of the injuries are strained backs and muscles. A smaller number are heart attacks, and those are the most dangerous. If anything below sounds like you or someone you love, the simplest fix is not to shovel at all.

This is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your own doctor about your own health.

Why shoveling is harder on your body than it looks

The American Heart Association puts it this way: "Shoveling snow is a very strenuous activity, made even more so by the impact that cold temperatures have on your body." Cold air raises blood pressure while it narrows the arteries that feed the heart.

The numbers are bigger than most people expect. A study of U.S. emergency department data from 1990 to 2006, summarized here, found an average of 11,500 shoveling-related injuries and medical emergencies treated every year. Most were soft tissue injuries (55 percent), followed by cuts (16 percent) and broken bones (7 percent). The lower back was the most frequently injured part of the body (34 percent).

Heart problems were only 7 percent of the cases, but they made up more than half of the hospitalizations and all 1,647 deaths in the study. A newer count from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, cited by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, found more than 137,000 people treated in 2018 for injuries from shoveling or snowblowers.

Who should think twice

Anyone who has had a heart attack or stroke, or has heart disease. The American Heart Association says shoveling heavy snow may raise the risk of a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest.
People with heart risk factors, even if they feel fine. The American Heart Association lists a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking now or in the past, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, and says the risk applies to people with and without known heart disease.
Adults 55 and older. In that study, patients 55 and older were 4.25 times as likely as younger patients to have heart-related symptoms while shoveling. Among those 55 and older, men were twice as likely as women.
Anyone who is out of shape or not used to hard exercise. The orthopaedic surgeons say it plainly: "Clearing snow places a great deal of stress on the heart."
Anyone with a bad back, shoulders or joints. The back is where shoveling injuries land most often, and a job that is hard on healthy muscles is harder on sore ones.
Anyone with poor circulation. The CDC lists poor blood circulation as a risk factor for frostbite. Frostbite is sneaky because the area goes numb, so a person may not notice it until someone else points it out. The first signs are redness or pain, then skin that looks white or grayish-yellow, feels firm or waxy, or is numb. The nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes are hit most often.

Not sure whether you are on the list? The American Heart Association's advice is that "the usual recommendation to consult with your physician before starting an exercise program applies to shoveling snow." The orthopaedic surgeons agree, and add that you "may also wish to consider hiring someone to remove the snow, rather than doing it yourself."

Warning signs: stop right away

Stop shoveling immediately if you have chest pain or pressure, lightheadedness, or a racing or irregular heartbeat. The American Heart Association says to call 911 if the symptoms do not ease shortly after you stop, and the orthopaedic surgeons say chest pain or shortness of breath means stop and seek emergency care. If you are not sure, call 911 rather than waiting it out.

If your skin turns red or starts to hurt, the CDC says to get out of the cold or cover the exposed skin.

If that is you, hand the job off

You have a few options: a family member, a neighbor, a snow-removal company, or SnowCrew. SnowCrew is built for exactly this situation, where the snow needs to go but you should not be the one moving it.

You stay inside. You post the job from your phone, say which areas need clearing, and set a price. If you are not sure what to offer, here is what hired shoveling typically costs.
You can plan ahead. Pick "as soon as possible" or a time it needs to be done by, from 1 hour to 5 days ahead.
A neighbor books it. A shoveler nearby takes the job. Your exact address stays private until someone books it.
You check the work from the window or your phone. The shoveler takes a "before" photo and an "after" photo with the camera, and you approve the job in the app. If something was missed, you can send it back.
You pay when it is booked. Your card is held when you post and charged when a shoveler books the job. If nobody books it, the hold is released.
You can arrange it for someone else. If you are looking after a parent or relative who should not be out there, you can post the job for their address from your own phone.

Be clear about what this is. SnowCrew shovelers are independent people from your area, a lot like hiring a neighbor. SnowCrew does not background-check or insure them. SnowCrew is launching this winter, and availability varies by area, so joining the waitlist does not guarantee coverage where you live.

If you do shovel, do it carefully

If your doctor says you are fine to shovel, the orthopaedic surgeons suggest these steps:

Warm up with about 10 minutes of light exercise first.
Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.
Push the snow when you can instead of lifting it. When you do lift, keep your back straight, bend your knees and take small scoops.
Do not twist or throw snow over your shoulder or to the side.
Use a shovel that suits your height and strength.
Start early and clear often, while the snow is still light.
Wear slip-resistant footwear, and keep your hat or scarf from blocking your view.