PLAN AHEAD FOR WINTER WEATHER CLEANUP TO REDUCE INJURIES

With the increase in winter storms crossing our region, health care experts are urging individuals to plan ahead and proceed with caution to avoid injury while snow shoveling.

Aspirus Health Occupational Therapist Nathaniel Kropidlowski explains that improper body mechanics, lack of preparation, and use of broken or poorly designed equipment are leading causes of injuries and accidents when clearing away snow and ice. When folks bend at the waist and attempt to lift the heavy snow, additional stress is placed on the back and shoulders. Kropidlowski recommends warming up by stretching the back, shoulders, and hips before shoveling, and using proper hinge-style movement and adaptive tools to reduce the risk of injury.

Aspirus Health recommends that to reduce lifting, residents consider ergonomic shovels with modified handholds or pushing snow with a wide base. An average of nearly 11,500 people are injured each year while snow shoveling, according to the National Institutes of Health.