The increased risk of shoveling snow in the post-COVID world

It’s long been known that shoveling snow can be a dangerous activity for those with underlying health problems, or people who are not in peak physical condition. Figures suggest that more than 11,000 people per year are hospitalized for snowshoveling-related medical issues, ranging from sprains to full-on cardiovascular events. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, these concerns have come to the fore in a big way.

While still relatively young, the virus has naturally garnered more research attention than any disease in recent history. Dollars, both public and private have been pouring in. This has helped scientists discover that, far from a common flu or cold, COVID-19 may in fact be a cardiovascular disease, with the potential to cause lasting damage to tissue extending far past the point of initial recovery for some. With scary terms like “Cytokine Storm” and “Myocarditis”, as well as an increased risk of heart attacks, blood clots, and strokes being associated to the disease, it’s clear that doctors and scientists are very concerned about the long-term impact on the cardiovascular system this disease may be having.

The research findings are constantly evolving, and it will take years to know the true impact COVID-19 has on a person’s body. But given the very concerning initial findings, it’s crucial that COVID-recovered individuals take extreme precautions when considering any intense physical activity and coordinate with their doctor very closely. The world is in a state of unknown, and it extends even as far as the neighbourhood driveways and sidewalks outside our front doors. Below we have additional info and some tips that can help. For those who find themselves fortunate enough to be on the outside of the growing population who have contracted this devastating disease, it’s still absolutely critical to understand the intense physical strain

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of shoveling snow, and to be aware of the warning signs of cardiovascular distress, as well as the things they can do to prevent injury or death while doing it.

Shoveling snow is a physically demanding exercise. It’s much closer to a full workout than it is to your average household task. The chorelike nature of the work can often lull people into a false sense of the actual effort involved. But consider that on average, a single shovel full of wet snow can be more than 10 pounds. Put into perspective, this means that even a common four-to-six car driveway will result in a person lifting and removing hundreds of pounds of snow across a 20- to 30-minute period. This is hardly comparable to sweeping the kitchen or cleaning the bathroom, but many view it as the exact same sort of task.

Preparation is key. Treat the task as you would any workout – warm up beforehand by stretching or exercising lightly. Keep yourself bundled up to avoid hypothermia and to prevent your heart having to work as hard to keep your body warm. Lift smaller scoops of snow to lessen the exertion required while preventing strains. And as tempting as it might seem, this is not a household chore to do after you’ve had a drink or two. Studies suggest that alcohol before physical exertion can be bad for heart health, and the warm sensation it provides can lead to hypothermia and overexertion.

It’s also important to know the warning signs of a cardiovascular event, and monitor for them closely if you choose to shovel snow yourself: Pain, tightness, or discomfort in your chest, whether sharp or sustained; shortness of breath; cold sweat, and anxiety are all signs that you may need to stop shoveling and consult a physician or call 911.

For those who have recovered from COVID-19 or are in an at-risk group, it may be best to consider skipping the task altogether and hiring a local company to take care of the snow shoveling for you. There are several apps, such as Eden, which allow for you to schedule on-demand snow removal every time it snows over a certain amount. By using these, you can prevent slip-and-fall liability, potential violations from your city or HOA, and keep your driveway and sidewalks clear without incurring the potential health risks.

The world is a little scarier now, with more risks than were anticipated even six months ago. But with a little preparation, or help from an outside company, the risks of snow shoveling don’t have to join that list. ■