Skip to main content
mayologo1
  • Patient Online Services
  • Pay Bill Online
  • Request an Appointment
    • Services
    • Providers
    • Locations

      Minnesota

      • Adams
      • Albert Lea
      • Austin
      • Belle Plaine
      • Blooming Prairie
      • Butterfield
      • Caledonia
      • Cannon Falls
      • Fairmont
      • Faribault
      • Janesville
      • Kenyon
      • Lake City
      • Le Sueur
      • Mankato
      • Montgomery
      • New Prague
      • New Richland
      • Northfield
      • Owatonna
      • Plainview
      • Red Wing
      • Sherburn
      • St. James
      • St. Peter
      • Waseca
      • Waterville
      • Wells
      • Zumbrota

      Wisconsin

      • Arcadia
      • Barron
      • Bloomer
      • Chetek
      • Chippewa Falls
      • Eau Claire
      • Ellsworth
      • Glenwood City
      • Holmen
      • La Crosse
      • Menomonie
      • Mondovi
      • Onalaska
      • Osseo
      • Prairie du Chien
      • Rice Lake
      • Sparta
      • Tomah

      Iowa

      • Decorah
      • Lake Mills

      View map
    • Classes/Events
    • Blog
    • Wellness
    • Referrals
    • COVID-19
    Posted By
    Paul Horvath, M.D.

    Paul Horvath, M.D.

    Emergency Medicine

    Recent Posts

    • Toddler playing with gift
      Speaking of Health
      Don't let unsafe toys spoil holiday fun
      December 08, 2022
    • Air cleaner in bedroom
      Speaking of Health
      Cleaner air: Another layer of protection from COVID-19
      January 28, 2021
    • First aid kit
      Speaking of Health
      Should super glue be in your first-aid kit?
      June 03, 2020
    Featured Topics
    • Behavioral Health
    • Cancer
    • Children's Health (Pediatrics)
    • COVID-19
    • COVID-19 Vaccine
    • Exercise and Fitness
    • Heart Health
    • Men's Health
    • Neurosurgery
    • Obstetrics and Gynecology
    • Orthopedic Health
    • Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery
    • Women's Health
    Join our email newsletter
    Speaking of Health
    Friday, March 10, 2023

    Tips for safe snow shoveling

    Topics in this Post
    • Emergency Medicine
    • Safety
    • Heart Health
    Shoveling snow

    Shoveling snow can be good exercise when done correctly. But taking on more than your body can handle or ignoring signs that you need to take a break may prove harmful.

    To ensure you stay injury-free as you clear driveways and sidewalks, here are some tips for safe snow shoveling:

    Be heart conscious.

    If you have a history of heart problems and are physically inactive, it’s best to consult with your health care team before starting heavy exercise like shoveling. In addition, don’t shovel while smoking, eating or right after consuming caffeine since this may place extra stress on your heart.

    Dress for the weather.

    Wear several layers of clothing. You can remove a layer if needed. Avoid wearing cotton next to your body. If you perspire, it can become damp, and you'll get chilled. Protect your hands, feet and face since these are common areas for frostbite. Wear a hat that covers your ears and a scarf to protect your lower face. Mittens are generally warmer than gloves.

    Drink plenty of water.

    Remaining hydrated during cold-weather months is just as important as during warm-weather months. Drink water or sports drinks before, during and after your shoveling session, even if you're not thirsty.

    Warm up.

    Before beginning to shovel, stretch your arms, legs, shoulders and back. You're less likely to injure muscles and joints when they're warmed up.

    Shovel snow while it's fresh.

    Freshly fallen snow is lighter than snow that has started melting or has been moved by a plow.

    Watch out for ice.

    There may be ice under the snow. Be careful, so you don’t slip, fall and injure yourself. Learn how to walk like a penguin on icy surfaces.

    Take it slow.

    Pace yourself and take breaks if you need to. Safety is more important than speed.

    Protect your back.

    Bend at the knees, not the back when lifting the shovel. Lift with your legs bent, stand with your feet hip-width apart for balance and keep the shovel close to your body. Also, don’t pick up too much snow at once. Consider using a smaller shovel or filling a larger shovel no more than halfway.

    Beware of shoulder strain.

    Shoveling snow can place a lot of strain on your shoulders. Lifting and throwing heavy piles of snow or hitting hard ice hidden beneath the snow can result in shoulder damage. Lifting too much snow can aggravate arthritis or further injure a worn rotator cuff.

    Listen to your body.

    This is the No. 1 snow shoveling tip. If something doesn't feel normal or you’re tired, it’s time to stop. Go inside, warm up, rest and drink water, tea or coffee. Reevaluate how your body feels before picking up where you left off.

    Be careful around machinery.

    If you use a snowblower or plow, be especially cautious around moving parts and sharp edges. Be sure the equipment is turned off before clearing any snow jams. Keep children and pets away while you're operating machinery.

    Have your phone handy.

    If you're experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

    Stay safe while shoveling, and enjoy the exercise and being outside on a brisk winter day.

    Paul Horvath, M.D., practices emergency medicine in Eau Claire and Menomonie, Wisconsin.


    For the safety of our patients, staff and visitors, Mayo Clinic has strict masking policies in place. Anyone shown without a mask was either recorded prior to COVID-19 or recorded in a non-patient care area where social distancing and other safety protocols were followed.
    Topics in this Post
    • Emergency Medicine
    • Safety
    • Heart Health

    Related Posts

    Untying shoe in winter Watch out for winter mishaps
    First aid kit Should super glue be in your first-aid kit?
    Farmer in tractor cab Farm safety tips and reminders

    Stay Connected

    • Contact Us
    • Notice of Nondiscrimination
    • Notice of Privacy Practices
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • About Us
    • Careers
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • For Patients & Visitors
    • Financial Assistance
    • Community Resources
    • Mayo Clinic Connect
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Press Room
    • Mayo Clinic
    • Home
    © 2018 - 2023 Mayo Clinic Health System