7 Snow Shovelling Tips From Health Canada To Help You Avoid 'Fatal Risks'

From Atlantic Canada to B.C. to Ontario, Canada has seen a whole lot of snow already this year. And, as every Canadian knows, with snow comes shovelling.

Snow shovelling is one of those annoying, sometimes strenuous, wintertime tasks that you just can’t ignore.

According to Health Canada, shovelling, combined with the cold, can pose "fatal risks" for your heart, so the health department has put together tips to limit the chance of a heart attack.

Health Canada points out that hearts need regular exercise, which many might not get enough of in the winter when the motivation to stay physically active declines.

Add the strenuous task of shovelling snow to an inactive cardiovascular system and you can get a potentially risky situation for some people.

Health Canada recommends treating shovelling like you would any exercise. That means stretching and warming up beforehand, not doing it on a full stomach and taking breaks when needed.

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All of these precautions help limit the strain shovelling might have on your heart and makes it easier on your heart and muscles.

Health Canada also recommends dressing appropriately for the weather. Exercise can generate a lot of heat in the body, so it’s advised that you dress in breathable layers to avoid overheating.

Another way to stay safe is to call up a friend to help out. Not only does it make the job go by faster, but you can also watch out for each other. It’s also just nice to have someone to complain about the cold with.

If you’re older, overweight, or have a history of heart disease, Health Canada recommends consulting your doctor before you start shovelling.

You can also limit the strain on your heart by taking up some wintertime sports and activities. It’s fun and it ensures that shovelling the sidewalk after a snowstorm isn’t the only exercise your heart gets this winter!

Stay warm, Canada!