The white stuff drifting down is beautiful. But you have to get rid of it, and start getting rid of it very soon.
Shoveling snow is a physically demanding job. Check with your doctor to see if you should be doing it at all. If not, or if shoveling is not your thing, prepare ahead by setting up a snow removal service or contracting with a strong neighbor.
* Before you go out, warm up your muscles and stretch as you would before any exercise. Dress in layers so you can remove one if you get heated up. Extra heat makes the heart beat faster, and you want it to stay at a normal pace. * The best time to work on the snow is when it's still falling. It won't be as deep, and it will be loose, powdery or a lot easier to move. At this point, your leaf blower could do the job.
* If it's already deep, use a smaller, lighter shovel. Start with small loads.
* Push the snow rather than lifting it whenever you can, even if it's for a small area. Every push avoids a lift.
* When you do lift, use your legs instead of your back. Face the direction you want the snow to go and throw it without twisting.
* Do larger areas in segments. The National Safety Council recommends shoveling a while, then resting.
