Foundation for Wellness Professionals Winter Show Shoveling Tips:
Winter and its often messy road conditions can take its toll on your neck and upper back (when driving on treacherous roads) as well as to your low back and shoulders when shoveling snow.
Here are some tips from Dr. Takacs for shoveling snow:
1. Before you shovel snow, do some gentle stretches and warm up your muscles.
2. Do not hurry. Pace yourself!
3. Invest in a good shovel. Your shovel should be durable and the handle long enough to prevent unnecessary bending and exertion. There are ergonomic snow shovels for sale in various places.
4. Use proper technique. Keep the shovel steady. Try to lift using your knees and keep your back as straight aspossible. Do not lift huge piles at once. Do not lift using only your back muscles. Try to distribute the weight evenly. Do not twist at the waist to dump the snow. Turn your whole body and try to keep your whole body aligned (the more distance between your body and the heavy shovel full of snow, the more strain on your back).
About Dr. Takacs
Dr. M. Helena Takacs, DC is a volunteer for the Foundation for Wellness. She is the owner of Takacs Wellness Center in Lafayette and she has been serving Sussex County residents for over 33 years. Members of the foundation are natural healthcare professionals who devote their time as motivational and keynote speakers, who perform Wellness Days, do blood pressure checks, spinal screenings and deliver educational workshops at no charge on health-related topics in their local communities. To learn more or schedule your community event, visit www.DrTakacs.com or call 973-383-5052.
