January 8, 2009

The "correct" way to remove snow.

Here it is, the beginning of January, and my house has already seen way too much snow according to yours truly, of course. Los niƱos adore the mounds and mounds of it surrounding the house. Rumor has it's we're a month ahead of our typical snow schedule, and don't I know it. I've shoveled just about all of it off the driveway and sidewalks (hubby's been home in time to do it once). I see snowflakes start coming down and my first thought is, Seriously, more snow to shovel? Enough already!! One month down, 4 1/2 more to go. *Deep sigh*

Since I don't have a snow removal wand, or a snow blower at that, I know I need to do a few strategic things to keep my back safe as I shovel the unwanted "stuff" off to the side. I came across a fantabulous article that reinforces the basics. Here's a brief synopsis:

Digging Your Way Through Winter: Tips for Snow Shoveling
Jean-Jacques Abitbol, MD, FRCSC
Orthopaedic Surgeon
California Spine Group, MC
San Diego, CA

~ Wear a hat, thick gloves, and good boots.
~ Choose a shovel with a curved handle for better posture.
~ Choose a shovel with a plastic blade instead of a metal blade because plastic is lighter.
~ Hand placement on the shovel is important. Keeps hands farther apart for better leverage.

For more tips from Dr. Abitbol, see his article from spineuniverse.com by clicking on the title. For those of you who have people to do this daunting task for you, lucky you. And for those of you who don't have the faintest idea what it's like to look out your front window during the winter and see snow sticking to your property, you'd better be outside running.

Live well (even when it's snowing)!
Amy