Tips for safely clearing your driveway of snow

Unfortunately for too many Americans, winter will again deliver a double wallop of heavy snow and frigid temperatures this year. That means major traffic delays and another strong cold-and-flu season. Depending on the size of your driveway and your preferred method of snow removal, it could also mean a higher-than-average risk of heart attack, back injury and a trip to the emergency room.

While snow shoveling can be a great form of exercise, if done improperly in the wrong conditions or by someone not adequately prepared, it can be a leading cause of painful and even fatal consequences (especially for the 70 plus million baby boomers who are entering their "golden years" and are more at risk for injury or even death.) Snow shoveling sends more than 11,000 adults and children to the hospital each year, according to WebMD Health News. Multiple research studies specifically document an increase in the number of fatal heart attacks among snow shovelers after heavy snowfalls. That's because cold temperatures cause blood vessels in the heart to constrict. Combined with the fact that shoveling can cause a quick increase in heart rate and blood pressure, such constriction can be deadly, especially for people with a history of heart disease, those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels, smokers or people who typically don't exercise much. For some people, even two minutes of snow shoveling can spike the heart rate to unsafe levels.

Adequate preparation is necessary if you plan on shoveling your driveway safely. This includes warming up your muscles with light exercise. Drink plenty of water, since dehydration is still an issue in cold weather. Avoid caffeine or nicotine before starting, as these are stimulants that are likely to increase your heart rate, force your blood vessels to constrict and put extra stress on your heart. Pace yourself and take plenty of breaks. Choose the right shovel that is shaped and sized to minimize strain. Keep the shovel close to your body. Bend from the knees, not the back, and tighten your stomach muscles as you lift the snow. Avoid twisting movements and push, instead of lift, whenever possible.

To avoid the physical strain of shoveling, and stay safe, dry and warm despite the elements, plow your own driveway. Newer technologies have made plowing easier and cost-effective.

The HomePlow by Meyer, for example, is simple to install and operate. Weighing less than 250 pounds, it quickly mounts to almost any standard SUV, light pickup truck or utility vehicle to allow even the longest driveways to be cleared in a matter of minutes. Best of all, from a health and safety perspective, is that the HomePlow is operated from the inside of the vehicle. This allows users to safely and comfortably clear their driveways via a remote control without exposure to the cold or snow.

The patented Auto-Angling system controls the direction of the blade without need for any manual adjustment. It senses the weight of the snow and automatically angles to push snow off to the side. Available in three models, the snow plow can be connected or disconnected in less than a minute without the need for any tools. So no straining, no slipping and no exposure to the cold.

Of course you could also consider using a snow blower instead to minimize the strain of shoveling, although that option might not be as safe as you think. Despite the fact that it is less strenuous than shoveling, the use of a snow blower still requires physical labor in conditions that can result in slips, falls or over-exposure to the cold.

In addition, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates there are 5,740 snow blower-related injuries in the U.S. each year primarily caused by a limb being caught in the machine or from carbon monoxide poisoning. Slips and falls on the ice that occur either during shoveling or snow blowing most commonly result in broken wrists, dislocated elbows and wrenched backs. Older people, who are more at risk to slip or fall, are more susceptible to fractures, especially if they have osteoporosis. More serious problems include concussions, which are especially concerning for people taking blood-thinning medications.

To minimize the risks of snow blowing, wear slip-resistant footwear and be sure to keep hands and feet away from all moving parts. Use a stick to unclog the blower (while the power is off). Don't operate in an enclosed area, and don't add gas to a running or hot engine.

Even the use of a large tractor for open-air plowing is not without its risks, as operators are still exposed to the cold and wet conditions and subject to frostbite or hypothermia.

To learn more how you can safely, reliably and comfortably keep your driveway clear this winter, visit thehomeplow.com.