Winter chore presents health hazards

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - As the snow falls, shoveling begins. But before you grab the gear and head outside to shovel make sure you are in good health.

According to the National Institutes of Health, shoveling snow for ten minutes is the equivalent of moving a load of about 2,000 pounds. In short, shoveling snow is one tough workout.

Just ask Shawn Hartwell and Sheryl Waterman who have been cleaning sidewalks for the Children's Museum since 4 a.m. Sheryl admits she is out of breath. Shawn says it feels like he’s been “lifting weights and running on a treadmill."

Sheryl says she takes precautions despite the long hours shoveling.

"Uhm, we take breaks often, and we ask our staff to take breaks often too. Sometimes we get engrossed in it and forget," she says.

But most don't realize how dangerous it can be.

As George Taylor shovels the sidewalk in front of his Indianapolis home he worries about getting it clean, but not about his health.

"Oh no, no, I'm pretty much in shape, he says, “I work construction so I stay in shape."

But being pretty much in shape doesn't mean you can shovel without risk says Heather Fink, Assistant Director of Education Services for the National Institute of Fitness and Health in Indianapolis.

"If you have any current medical conditions, especially cardiac conditions we recommend that you don't shovel."

If you do shovel, Heather says, use your legs to lift the snow, don't lift the snow and twist your body at the same time and don't rush to get it all done at one time. Most importantly she says, listen to your body.

"If you start to feel faint or light headed then stop right away. And go inside and take a break and get a drink."

Heather says, you also need to dress in layers. Cover your skin in extremely cold weather and remember, stop if you feel exhausted.