Baby, It's Cold Outside

From inside a warm automobile.

No surprise. It's December in Peoria and the weathermen are calling for a winter storm this weekend. I don't think it's too bold to predict that Peoria will probably have snowstorms on and off until March.

There are two choices to be made when the snow flies. 1) Ignore it. 2) Shovel it.

Here a couple simple tips to ensure that after you shovel your sidewalk/driveway/porch this weekend, you don't find yourself frantically calling your local Peoria Activator doctor.

• Push with your legs, not with your arms. Make sure that you are wearing boots or shoes with good rubber traction. Slipping on hidden ice is a one-way ticket to spraining your back.
• Switch arms when using the shovel. In the picture above, the poor guy is going to have a major crick in his neck when he's done unless he turns and puts his right foot forward half the time. The muscle imbalances caused by consistently stooped posture like that will cause some spinal dysfunction.
• Better yet, walk straight forward instead of inching along sideways (like the poor guy in the picture). Just push the snow in front of you instead of thrusting it, shoving it, launching it, or using other sudden movements.
  
• Make sure your shovel is long enough, so you don't have to bend over the handle. The newer ergonomic models with the curved handles allow you stand more upright while doing the work, reducing the strain on your back.
• Snowblowers are not necessarily a better option, though they might be faster. Using a fidgety piece of cold machinery can involve just as much bending, twisting, yanking, and shoving.
  
• Don't overestimate how much work you can do. If you're not used to doing heavy lifting or cardiovascular activities, it's easy to overtax your heart (like the poor guy in the picture). Pace yourself. Take breaks.
  
• Make your kids do it.

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