No business like snow business: More effective shoveling

Last weekend’s unexpectedly heavy snowfall was a reminder that winter weather has arrived. That means it’s time to start shoveling and scraping the white stuff.

The accumulated weight and moisture of up to 20 pounds per square foot, as well as the resulting ice that forms as the snow melts and refreezes, is hard on decks, patios, roofs, landscapes and more. Shoveling the wrong way can lead to a sore back or even a heart attack. Check out these steps to make shoveling both safer and easier.

• Basic tools. A good snow shovel should be lightweight but strong enough to do the job. Polyethylene (plastic) shovels don’t rust and are ideal for surfaces such as wood or composite decks that can be easily damaged. However, they’re not as durable as metal shovels, especially in the cold. Metal shovels are heavier duty. Aluminum ones are lighter than steel but are more susceptible to bending and other damage. Steel shovels can rust and have been known to not only damage wood surfaces, but concrete as well, but they’re still the go-to material for really heavy loads.
• Step up. Nonpowered wheeled snow pushers excel at quickly clearing walkways, driveways and other areas where the snow simply needs to be pushed off the main area. Corded and battery-powered electric snow shovels feature motorized paddles to grab and toss snow forward and out of the way. They come in traditional and wheeled versions and can clear up to 8 inches deep. For light snow, under 2 inches, a leaf blower works great but it should be done before the sun has a chance to melt the top flakes.
• All powered up. Cordless electric snow blowers typically are effective to a working depth of 18 inches of snow, while corded models tend to max out around 12 inches. Snow blowers toss snow to the side and ideally, the snow should be thrown as far as possible, although not into the neighbor’s yard/ Throwing it too close means that the snow likely will have to be moved again.
• Saving the shrubs. Very heavy, wet snow of over 8 inches can damage shrubs that retain their leaves during the winter. When sweeping snow off shrubs and other perennial plants with a common synthetic bristle kitchen broom or hand brush, remove snow under the plant first, then the lower branches and work upward. Starting at the top can result in too much snow flowing down to the bottom branches, weighing them down and breaking them. Never shake frozen, brittle plants to remove snow.
• Really up to it? Shoveling snow is demanding on the heart. If there’s any concern, check with a doctor first. Hiring the kid next door may be the best solution. Smoking, eating or drinking caffeine or alcohol just before or during shoveling can add additional heart stress.
• Prep for a workout. Any weightlifter will agree that muscles and joints that have been warmed up are less likely to get injured. Focus on the back, arms, shoulders and legs. And be sure to hydrate and consume electrolytes — that’s not just true for summer heat.
• The all-important lift. Do not overload the shovel. Smaller amounts are safer. The job will still get done. If one does need to lift, bend the knees, keeping the back straight, feet hip-width apart and lift with the legs. Keep the shovel weight close to the body, and avoid twisting to throw snow.

–Alan Goforth and “The Epoch Times” with permission.