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When we think of extreme winter sports, activities like ski jumping, ice climbing and snow kiting come to mind. But with severe winter storms bearing down on Canada and the northern US, a potentially more dangerous activity emerges – snow removal! With each inch of snow accumulation, the risk of injury from falls, overexertion and even heart attacks increases.
Did you know:
These are the findings of a study published by the Canadian Medical Association Journal in which researchers at the University of Montreal made an astonishing, but very real link between heart attacks and snow storms. When we add falls and related injuries, shoveling could easily be considered an extreme winter sport.
Why does shoveling snow increase the risk of heart attack? In an article published in The Conversation, Professor Jack Goodman of the University of Toronto explains:
For those of us in Canada and the upper US, removing snow from driveways, sidewalks and our roofs is a necessity. When it comes to removing snow, especially from the rooftop, it is rarely recommended that you climb on the roof and shovel. With innovative snow removal tools, like SnowPeeler, rooftops can be safely and quickly cleared with both feet on the ground.
As for heart-safe tips to keep you safe and healthy this winter, Harvard Medical School recommends the following:
If you think you are having a heart attack, call 911 or your local emergency number.
And if it’s your back that is specifically hurting after you clear snow, consider these top 5 tips for warding off back pain from shovelling.