[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1674889953484{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]During the winter months, snow shoveling can be a pain, considering that each shovelful of snow weighs about six pounds. That’s a lot of repetitive lifting, and wear and tear on your back. These back health tips will ease the hassle of clearing your driveway and help keep your back in shape.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1674889969683{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]WARM UP Before tackling any strenuous activity, a quick 10-minute warm up such as a walk around the block will kickstart your muscles for the activity ahead and help prevent injury.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1674889992802{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]1. DON’T LET SNOW PILE UP If the weather report calls for several days of snow, frequent shovelling will allow you to move smaller amounts of snow after each snowfall[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1674890014554{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]2. PICK THE RIGHT SHOVEL Use a lightweight push shovel. If you’re using a metal shovel, spray it with Teflon, so snow won’t stick to it.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1674890042497{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]3. PUSH, DON’T THROW Push the snow to the side rather than throwing it. This way, you avoid lifting heavy shovelfuls of snow, and abrupt twists or turns that may result in injury.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1674890062161{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]4. BEND YOUR KNEES If you need to lift shovelfuls of snow, bend your knees, and use your leg and arm muscles to do the work, while keeping your back straight.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1674890083905{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]5. TAKE A BREAK If you feel tired or short of breath, stop and take a break. Shake out your arms and legs to recharge.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1674890102953{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]KEEP COMFORT IN MIND Layer your clothing so you can adapt to changing temperatures. If you become too warm while outdoors, simply remove a layer or two to maximize comfort.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1674890136529{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]STAY HYDRATED Even though it’s cold outside, your body still needs plenty of fluids. Be sure to drink lots of water or fruit juice before, during and after shoveling. Remember – if you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1674890153233{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]TAKE IT SLOW Rest when you feel tired or short of breath. Stop shovelling if you experience sudden or prolonged joint or muscle pain.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1674890174520{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]COOL DOWN After you’ve finished shovelling, cool down by taking a walk and stretching out tense muscles.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1667315193822{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]2. Chiropractic[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]