Health Snowwork is a real health risk for some people – Your doctor will advise you on what to do just before grabbing a shovel

The biggest available shovel in hand and rage to create snow. This approach is familiar to many of us, but at worst it can be life threatening.

Working as a doctor in primary health care in Helsinki Ibrahim Ahmed recalls that too heavy snow work can not only break your back but also expose yourself to a heart attack.

In the last few days, the ravages and subsequent snowfalls sought by the Valtteri storm have put shovels and bumpers hard. According to Ahmed, this has been reflected, among other things, in calls to healthcare, where patients report their strange breast feelings.

Snow work has had enough for Ahmed in the backyard himself, so he knows very well what kind of physical exertion the snowmobile serves.

“It turned out to be surprisingly heavy for me too, even though I play sports regularly,” Ahmed, 35, says.

He estimates that reckless snow work may pose an insidious danger, especially to middle-aged men with long-term heart disease or circulatory problems. The risk factor is also increased by overweight, smoking and poor fitness, among other things.

Because many snowworkers may unknowingly feed on the limits of risk, Ahmed, along with his spouse, who also works as a doctor, decided to compile a fact sheet on the subject. The tips were originally published Hibo Abdulkarimin and Ibrahim Ahmed’s joint Instagram account, where the doctor couple otherwise shares health information in Finnish and English.

Doctors’ tips for safe snowmaking:

Remember warming up

“Snow work combines movement and weightlifting. After all, you don’t immediately start lifting weights at the gym, but first warm up your muscles with that intense physical exertion, ”says Ibrahim Ahmed.

According to Ahmed, it is also worth noting that the blood vessels constrict in the cold. By warming up, you can safely boost your bloodstream before the actual physical exertion.

Proper warm-up can also reduce the risk of back injury, which is also a typical consequence of throwing too much snow.

According to Ahmed, a special poison to the back may be a circulatory motion. Instead of throwing it, he advises to push the snow aside, if at all possible.

Ensure adequate hydration

A drinking bottle is an important piece of equipment for snow work, but Ahmed urges collectors to drink enough before leaving the yard.

“Foresight is paramount.”

Proper hydration also helps maintain heat in the cold, Ahmed says.

Take enough breaks

As in the gym, it is also worth taking breaks from time to time during snow work. Depending on the general condition of the shovel, how many breaks are needed, so Ahmed will not be able to give anyone a general guide on the matter.

However, one clear indication is when the break would be timely at the latest.

“When you feel like breathing is heavy, it may be a little too late. It’s a good idea to take a break before that, ”says Ahmed.

Choose a shovel that is not too large

Ahmed and Abdulkarim describe the last instruction as possibly the most important: “Ego for a moment in the corner, and choose a shovel that is not too big.”

“To avoid pushing or lifting too much cargo. It’s such a big strain all of a sudden, in a short amount of time, ”Ahmed explains.

Grabbing the widest cavity or the stiffest shovel may be tempting, for example, if the yard needs to be cleaned as quickly as possible. Maybe someone might also tune in to the show that “suddenly this yard circle will be snow-free”.

Ahmed, however, encourages calm grips.

“Of course the work may be a little slower, but it’s safer.”

If severe chest pain occurs during snow work – or in any other situation – the situation should be reported immediately to the emergency number 112.

“Chest pain is not to be underestimated,” Ahmed says.