The average shovel-full of snow weighs about sixteen pounds. If you move a shovel-full five times a minute, you’re lifting over 2,000 pounds of snow every 25 minutes! Looked at this way, it’s no surprise that people who are unaccustomed to this much work have backaches, muscle strain and heart attacks when shoveling snow. There’s a right way and a wrong way to do it.

1. If you have a heart or a back condition – let someone else do it.

2. Be sure you have a good snow shovel. Things to look for: open sides so that the snow will slide right off; a handle the right length for your height; handles that are ergonomically designed or that have a lower handle as well as an upper one, to reduce back strain; and scoops that are made of metal or wood, not plastic (which will break more easily). Also consider a shovel that is built for “shoving” rather than for “scooping,” so that you won’t have to lift as much.

3. Use a smaller shovel and make more passes. It’s the weight of the snow that puts the strain on your heart and your muscles, not the repetition. Pick up smaller loads of snow.

4. Lift with your knees, not your back. Don’t bend at the waist. Step in the direction in which you’re throwing the snow to avoid twisting and straining your back.

5. Place your hands fairly far apart on the handle. This will give you more leverage.

6. Scatter rock salt, sand or urea on the exposed areas to keep them from icing up after you’ve cleared them.

7. Warm up your muscles before you begin; walk briskly and stretch your muscles. Warm muscles are more flexible and less likely to be injured.

8. If you start to feel muscle pain or heart attack warning signs (chest, arm, shoulder or neck pain,dizziness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath): STOP. Seek medical help IMMEDIATELY.

Now use some of that snow you moved to build a snowman! If you find a magical top-hat for him, maybe he can shovel next time.