Today Is NOT The Day

     Hey Family...  If you live along the east coast,  like me, you are experiencing one of the bigger snow storms of the last few years.  It was initially categorized as a BLIZZARD.  When was the last time you heard that word used?  In my neck of the woods we were told to expect 18-24 inches of snow--the wet heavy snow--and lots of strong, sustained winds.  It is still snowing or should I say,the snow has started again.  Me.  I'm lucky to not have to work today and am in the house relaxing and trying to enjoy finally having a day off from everything.  I have no plan to go outside again for at least 2 days, but I know some of you will be out there clearing away the snow.  And this could be a problem.

     If you haven't exercised in a month of Sundays, today is NOT the day to run out and try to shovel snow for hours without a break.  That wet, heavy snow can be a killer.   I just read an article about a 60 year old man who died in Maryland this morning while shoveling snow.  Statistics show that shoveling snow can be more strenuous than running on the treadmill and here's why.  Your heart rate increases, your blood pressure increases, then you have the cold air which causes your arteries to constrict and decrease your blood flow.  All of those things lead to a perfect set up for a heart attack.  Many experts suggest that anyone over 50 should not shovel snow.  Well, that sounds great in theory, but not everyone over 50 has the luxury of having neighbors who will shovel, or has the means to pay someone else to shovel or has the funds for a snowblower.  So, shoveling is what they have to do.

     So, after much research about shoveling, I found that there is a certain way to do it in hopes of not straining your back or your heart.  

• make sure you do some stretching exercises.
• Eat 1-2 hours before you start shoveling
• Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol before shoveling
• Wear the proper layers of clothing to avoid getting chilled
• Scoop small amounts of snow
• If you can, push the snow instead of scooping and throwing
• Breath during the hardest part of shoveling motion
• Most important stop and take a break every 15-20 minutes

     All I'm saying is be very careful during the winter season.   If you are outside handling that snow and you start feeling tightness in your chest, pain in your back, neck, or jaw, feel your heart racing, or feel lightheaded you need to stop immediately and seek medical attention.   Don't be a fatal statistic.  Go slow, shoveling snow!!!

SMOOCHES...