KETTERING -- People in just about every neighborhood across the Miami Valley were shoveling their driveways and sidewalks Thursday and believe it or not, there are many health risks that come with shoveling snow.
Julie Walling was happy to get Miami Valley's first major snowfall this season.
"I love shoveling in fact last year when we didn't have any snow I was kind of depressed," said Walling.
She says even though, she doesn't work out often, she still stays pretty active.
"I love doing it by hand everybody has the power shovels and the snow plow but I like doing it by hand it's great exercise," she said.
But for those who are not in shape, doctors recommend taking several brakes so you don't over exert yourself, especially if you're getting short of breath if you find yourself getting fatigued or having any chest pains.
"We've seen a fall with hip fracture minor ankle sprains and wrist injuries," MD David Carter of Kettering Health Network said.
They've also treated someone who had a heart attack from shoveling snow.
"A lot of people who are not used to exertion activities find their driveway covered with snow and they try to get it done all at once and they find themselves suffering from the increased activities that their body is not used to," said Carter.
"It usually takes me a couple weeks to get my back back in shape is right now I'm feeling a little pain because I was low on work wasn't using my back much now I gotta work my back now," said Mike Molloy of Mike's Landscaping and Odd Jobs.
Even if you're healthy and active like Mike, a professional shoveler, you still need to be careful.
"Sometimes you start sweating too much and you have to take your hat off and let the heat out," Molloy said. "You can actually catch a cold that way."
Injuries during and following winter storms include:
· Arm and leg breaks and sprains
· Concussions
· Back strains, herniated and ruptured discs
· Heart attacks
· Hypothermia
· Frostbite
Doctors recommend you take the following steps to stay healthy:
Dress appropriately. Wear layered clothing, a coat, gloves or mittens, and a hat to keep warm. Wear insulated, rubber soled boots and socks to keep your feet warm and dry, and to help you keep your balance when walking on snow or ice.
Be alert for signs of hypothermia. Signs include severe shivering, exhaustion, confusion and dizziness. Get medical help right away.
Be alert for signs of frostbite. Frostbite generally damaged tissues in the extremities. Signs include pain, numbness, white, red and/or yellow patches on the skin, and waxy skin. If left untreated, affected areas may have to be amputated.
Avoid overexertion. Before beginning any activity, warm up by taking a short walk and stretching your muscles. Take frequent breaks, stay hydrated and pace yourself. If you experience chest pains, seek medical attention.
Shovel or snow blower safely. If shoveling snow, bend from the knees and lift with your leg muscles. If you use a snow blower, do not place your hands near the snow blower or engine.
Julie Walling was happy to get Miami Valley's first major snowfall this season.
"I love shoveling in fact last year when we didn't have any snow I was kind of depressed," said Walling.
She says even though, she doesn't work out often, she still stays pretty active.
"I love doing it by hand everybody has the power shovels and the snow plow but I like doing it by hand it's great exercise," she said.
But for those who are not in shape, doctors recommend taking several brakes so you don't over exert yourself, especially if you're getting short of breath if you find yourself getting fatigued or having any chest pains.
"We've seen a fall with hip fracture minor ankle sprains and wrist injuries," MD David Carter of Kettering Health Network said.
They've also treated someone who had a heart attack from shoveling snow.
"A lot of people who are not used to exertion activities find their driveway covered with snow and they try to get it done all at once and they find themselves suffering from the increased activities that their body is not used to," said Carter.
"It usually takes me a couple weeks to get my back back in shape is right now I'm feeling a little pain because I was low on work wasn't using my back much now I gotta work my back now," said Mike Molloy of Mike's Landscaping and Odd Jobs.
Even if you're healthy and active like Mike, a professional shoveler, you still need to be careful.
"Sometimes you start sweating too much and you have to take your hat off and let the heat out," Molloy said. "You can actually catch a cold that way."
Injuries during and following winter storms include:
· Arm and leg breaks and sprains
· Concussions
· Back strains, herniated and ruptured discs
· Heart attacks
· Hypothermia
· Frostbite
Doctors recommend you take the following steps to stay healthy:
Dress appropriately. Wear layered clothing, a coat, gloves or mittens, and a hat to keep warm. Wear insulated, rubber soled boots and socks to keep your feet warm and dry, and to help you keep your balance when walking on snow or ice.
Be alert for signs of hypothermia. Signs include severe shivering, exhaustion, confusion and dizziness. Get medical help right away.
Be alert for signs of frostbite. Frostbite generally damaged tissues in the extremities. Signs include pain, numbness, white, red and/or yellow patches on the skin, and waxy skin. If left untreated, affected areas may have to be amputated.
Avoid overexertion. Before beginning any activity, warm up by taking a short walk and stretching your muscles. Take frequent breaks, stay hydrated and pace yourself. If you experience chest pains, seek medical attention.
Shovel or snow blower safely. If shoveling snow, bend from the knees and lift with your leg muscles. If you use a snow blower, do not place your hands near the snow blower or engine.