Simple Tips to Safe Snow Shoveling

KANSAS CITY, Missouri - Doctors say shoveling snow is one of the most common causes of winter-time heart attacks.

Snow shoveling is very demanding on the body.

Experts say winter conditions when there's more than an inch of snow and when temperatures dip below 20 degrees -- can cause death rates from heart attacks to triple among men 35 to 49 years old.

Shoveling snow can be very dangerous if the right precautions aren't taken.

Here are some suggestions to clear your driveway without hurting yourself.

First -- pace yourself and take lots of breaks.

When you shovel, bend your knees and let your thighs do the work.

This way you avoid straining your heart and your back.

Use a shovel with a small scoop -- and keep the loads light.

Finally, drink plenty of fluids-you are probably sweating more than you realize.

Doctors warn if you've ever had a heart attack, if you have heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, you probably don't want to do the shoveling yourself.

At the very least, you should consult your doctor before attempting it.