Shoveling risks

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – With the snow storm approaching mid-day Friday January 12, 2017 people will be looking to start shoveling on Saturday January 13, 2017.

Shoveling may be a necessity so those walking can be safe, but it can be troublesome for those shoveling. Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department’s Dr. Vicki Whitacre said people risk shoulder and back pains as well as injuries sustained from falling on the ice-covered sidewalk.

“There’s going to be a lot of snow this weekend, you should be really careful and not having too heavy a shovel full,” Dr. Whitacre said. “Do small little pieces of snow or just shove it out-of-the-way without lifting.”

Dr. Whitacre said older people with any chronic health problems like diabetes or blood pressure trouble need to be aware they’re more at risk of having a heart attack caused by shoveling.

“You’re probably not as active as you use to be when you were younger,” Dr. Whitacre said. “That also puts you at more risk, because all of a sudden you very quickly are trying to use a lot of energy. Your heart is not used to it and you can get into trouble with a heart attack a lot sooner and easier.”

The Zanesville-Muskingum Health Department has posted on their website information regarding the risks of shoveling and how to prevent such risks.