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The heavy snow is wreaking havoc on hearts and backs as Metro Vancouver hospitals are treating more patients with heart attacks and back problems brought on by the exertion of snow shovelling or falling because of it.
Dr. Urbain Ip, medical director of Fraser Health and Surrey Memorial Hospital (SMH), said Monday that on Christmas Day alone, there were five heart attack patients at SMH, all of them related to snow shovelling. "People just don't realize how strenuous an activity it can be," he said.
On New Year's Day, there were 28 orthopedic trauma patients waiting for surgery in the Fraser region because of falls or other mishaps related to the snow.
"And that was already at 10 a.m.," Ip said, adding: "These are patients with severe hip fractures, wrist and ankle fractures, injuries severe enough that they required surgery."
At Vancouver General Hospital, two individuals have been admitted since Christmas after suffering heart attacks brought on by the exertion of shovelling snow, said spokesman Gavin Wilson. At Lions Gate Hospital, there have been several cases of angina following snow shovelling, but no heart attacks. Richmond Hospital emergency department reports many sprains and strains related to snow shovelling.
Research has shown that snow shovelling can cause increased death rates from heart attacks among men.
Shovelling is considered moderate to vigorous activity and the energy used to shovel is said to be comparable to that which is expended in a singles tennis match.
A U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health showed that 15 minutes of shovelling is equal to 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, the recommended daily level.
But shovelling may cause an abrupt increase in heart rate and blood pressure. And because it is often done when temperatures are cold, which makes it harder to breathe, there is an increased risk of cardiovascular events. That is why experts say that those who should not even attempt to shovel include anyone who has a pre-existing heart condition, smokers and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
While shovelling can be good exercise if done correctly, Rhonda Cooper, an orthopedic physiotherapist at the Canadian Back Institute, said it is inevitable that health professionals such as herself will see a spike in clients because of snow shovelling. Ip echoes her comments that individuals should stretch before, during and after shovelling to reduce the risk of injuries.
Cooper said individuals should hold their stretches for up to a minute. "It's good to pace yourself with 10 minutes of shovelling followed by a stretching break before resuming," she said.
Cooper said while shovelling, people should pivot their feet like a boxer to avoid twisting their backs. "As well, the shovel should be held close to your body, your centre of gravity."
Sun Health Issues Reporter
pfayerman@vancouversun.com
Ten Tips to Avoid Injuries While Shovelling
- Warm muscles first by stretching arms, legs and backs.
- Repeat stretching during shovelling breaks and again after the activity.
- Avoid caffeine or nicotine before beginning, as both are stimulants and may increase heart rate which puts extra stress on the heart.
- Use the right shovel. A smaller blade lifts less snow which puts less strain on the body.
- Lift with the leg muscles, not the back. Don't twist or bend at the waist. Step in the direction that you are throwing snow and alternate sides to avoid strain from repetitive actions.
- Try pushing the snow away, rather than lifting it.
- Don't throw snow to your side or over your shoulder because that requires a twisting motion that can stress the back too much.
- Drink water to avoid dehydration.
- Dress warmly and wear non-slip boots. Dress in layers and remove them as needed to prevent over-heating.
- Listen to your body. Stop if you feel chest, shoulder, neck or arm pain. Stop if you feel dizzy, faint, nauseated or short of breath.
