Shovelling potential ‘recipe for disaster’ - Katelyn Brouse

Most Northern Ontarians know how awful it is to wake up in the morning and find that it has snowed several inches throughout the night. It’s a responsibility to which we’re accustomed.

But when we’re shovelling snow, the risk of a heart attack isn’t at the forefront of our minds when we’re in a hurry to clear the driveway. The truth is that shovelling snow is extremely strenuous on the body.

Without taking proper precautions before shovelling, the risk of heart attack increases. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, nine in 10 Canadians have at least one risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

These risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, decreased physical activity, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Individuals who are older, have high blood pressure, have a family history of heart disease, smoke or live a sedentary lifestyle are at highest risk for injury or having a heart attack while shovelling snow.

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked by a blood clot or a plaque and it results in damage and death to the cardiac muscle.

Cold weather and strenuous exercise have been associated with the blood becoming thicker, which increases the chance of a blood clot forming. Therefore, shovelling snow can be a recipe for disaster if you don’t take the proper precautions.

Before shovelling, try to avoid caffeine and nicotine. Both of these substances are stimulants that put extra stress on the heart. They also narrow the blood vessels, which decreases blood flow everywhere in the body.

Try to drink plenty of water before and during shovelling to decrease the chance of dehydration. Warm up for five to 10 minutes to increase blood circulation and to loosen up joints and muscles.

Try going up and down the stairs a few times, jogging on the spot or going for a walk around the block.

After warming up, perform some gentle body stretches to make sure your body is ready to exercise.

If you feel like you might be at risk for a heart attack while shovelling snow, consult your doctor.

Some heart attacks happen quickly while some happen gradually with mild pain and discomfort. At any sign of a heart attack, call 911 immediately.

Shovelling snow can be a great form of physical activity when the proper precautions are taken. Take care of your body and have a safe and healthy winter.

Katelyn Brouse is a Laurentian University nursing student.