In Boulder, we know that shoveling snow is potentially dangerous. Is that a tale or reality? It is REALITY! The “normal” list of dangers leaves out one oddball fact adding to the danger of shoveling snow. With luck, the system hitting us now will be mainly cold without the bonus of snow. The winter is YOUNG and snow is quite likely in the near future, and for a couple of month after that.

The physical position of shoveling forces the lungs to collapse part way. So to add to the other problems, our lungs are not being fulling utilized. Here’s why alternatives to shoveling snow are worthwhile:

Shoveling snow can be particularly dangerous due to several reasons:

  1. Cardiovascular Risk: Shoveling is a demanding cardiovascular activity, similar to a strenuous workout. It can raise your heart rate and blood pressure dramatically, especially in cold temperatures, which naturally cause arteries to constrict. This can lead to an increased risk of heart attack, particularly in those with pre-existing heart conditions or who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
  2. Cold Temperatures: The cold environment adds extra strain on the body. Cold air makes it harder to breathe, which can be especially challenging for those with respiratory issues. Also, the body’s response to cold can exacerbate the cardiovascular strain.Alaskan Malamute Playing in Deep Snow
  3. Physical Strain: Snow shoveling is physically demanding and can lead to muscle strains, particularly in the back and shoulders. Lifting heavy snow, especially wet, heavy snow, can lead to overexertion.
  4. Risk of Slips and Falls: Snowy and icy conditions increase the risk of slips and falls, which can lead to serious injuries such as fractures.
  5. Hypothermia and Frostbite: Prolonged exposure to cold while shoveling can lead to hypothermia and frostbite, especially if you are not properly dressed for the conditions.
  6. Dehydration: People often forget to hydrate in cold weather, but shoveling snow is a vigorous activity that can lead to dehydration.

For these reasons, it’s important to take precautions when shoveling snow, such as using proper technique, taking breaks, staying hydrated, dressing warmly, and not overexerting oneself. Those with known heart or respiratory issues should be particularly cautious and consider seeking assistance or using a snow blower instead.

man using snow blower

 

Leonard Frieling
  • Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
  • Former Judge
  • Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
  • First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
  • Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
  • Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
  • NORML Distinguished Counsel Circle
  • Life Member, NORML Legal Committee
  • Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
  • Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML
  • Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
  • Media work, including episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
  • Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
  • LEAP Speaker, multi-published author, University lectures Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels.
  • http://www.Lfrieling.com
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