Save yourself a trip to the clinic the next time you shovel the snow from your driveway by following these tips from Dr. Kevin Velicaria, M.D. family medicine:<\/p>\n
Warm up and cool down.<\/strong> Shovelling snow can be as much of a workout as going to the gym, so prepare your body with a brief warm-up to get your muscles ready. When you\u2019re done, be sure to do some cool-down stretches, especially for your lower back.<\/p>\n Use the right tools.<\/strong> An ergonomic shovel with a curved handle will help reduce the strain on your back. Avoid choosing one that\u2019s too large because you\u2019re likely to strain yourself if you try to move a load that is too heavy. Be sure to also wear footwear with good grip to prevent falls.
\nBend your knees. Protect yourself from back injuries by bending your knees when lifting any amount of snow. Try to avoid twisting your body as you work and you\u2019ll keep your lower back happy.<\/p>\n