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Shovel Safely This Winter Season!

Winter can be a magical time, filled with seasonal joy and resolutions for a bright new year ahead. In the Midwest, this time of year also traditionally brings with it - snow - and the need to shovel it away from sidewalks, driveways and other areas around the home for the safety of both residents, neighbors and visitors.

Due to improper form when it comes to shoveling snow, a variety of injuries and health-related issues can result. These include (but are not limited to) back issues, broken bones and fractures, as well as chest pain or cardiac arrest - both of which are heart-related symptoms.

Sleigh Family Chiropractic wants to help you make it a safer winter season by providing 'best practice' shoveling tips to utilize before, during and after this often-necessary work is done.

BEFORE SHOVELING

Before shoveling, be sure to warm up your body with simple exercises such as side bends, marching in place, arm circles or cat-cows (getting on the hands and knees and stretching out the back) which can help to prevent injuries from occurring in the first place. Stretching keeps muscles strong, healthy and flexible, and enables them to maintain a wide range of motion. Stronger balance is also achieved, which can also help to prevent falls.

WHILE SHOVELING

Proper snow shoveling form is to bend at the hips and knees and not at the back. While shoveling, be sure to push snow, and not throw it. Walk directly behind the shovel to the end of the shoveling path to keep your spine in line, and avoid twisting motions, which are hard on the lower back and spinal discs. Make shorter paths to shovel, so the load of snow isn't too heavy to push - which can lead to overexertion or injury.

Age can also impact the potential for injuries or other health issues while shoveling snow. People 55 years of age and older generally fall or hurt themselves more easily, and men in this age category are more likely than women to experience heart issues.

"We advise our patients to be proactive and utilize best practices for snow shoveling to avoid what can become serious or life-changing issues," said Dr. Quintin Sleigh, a co-owner of Sleigh Family Chiropractic. "These simple guidelines take very little time and really can make a world of difference in keeping people healthier and stronger."

AFTER SHOVELING

Once the snow shoveling is completed and you're back inside, be sure to stretch the lower back, legs and shoulders as soon as possible, to sooth and strengthen muscles.

Please keep these tips in mind to make it the safest season possible! For more information and for stretching tips, visit sleighfamilychiropractic.com/chiropractic-stretches/.

ABOUT SLEIGH FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

Drs Katie and Quintin Sleigh own and operate Sleigh Family Chiropractic, a family wellness clinic located at 3285 N. Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights. For more information, call 847-788-0880 or visit SleighFamilyChiropractic.com.

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