Published Friday, Jan. 15, 1999 | Shoveling tips
Doctors offer these tips for reducing snow-shoveling injuries:
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While many in Mercer County were happy to be off from school and work because of the weather, residents had to do some work this week to dig themselves out of knee-deep snow and ice.
"I've been shoveling two to three times a day," said 75-year-old Frank Marletto of Jefferson Avenue, Sharon. "I'm trying to keep it clear."
Marletto said Thursday he was aware that shoveling the white stuff can be hazardous to his health.
In order to keep himself safe from overexertion, Marletto said he was taking frequent breaks while he shoveled his 60-foot driveway. "Usually, I stop for about one or two minutes or a little bit longer than that."
Down the street from Marletto, 17-year-old Jason Dent, who was off from classes at Sharon High, was dressed warmly in bright orange hunting fatigues while he shoveled a path from his front door.
"I've been redigging the path for my little Chihuahua," he explained. "I've been out shoveling five or six times in the past two weeks."
Taking half-hour breaks was his solution to ensuring he did not overdo his shoveling workout.
"I'm getting pretty sick of it," Jason added of the weather. "It's good for ice fishing though."
Chiropractors say shoveling is also good for creating back ailments.
"Absolutely,'' said Hermitage chiropractor Dr. David Machuga when asked if he's seen an increase in weather-related injuries.
In the last couple of days, he has treated about a dozen people, mostly in their 40s and 50s, for back and muscle strain.
Most of it is from strenuous activity, primarily shoveling off sidewalks, driveways and cars, he said.
Machuga, who has been practicing locally for 30 years, said it's been five years since he saw so many snow-related injuries.
Those who can't escape to Florida should pace themselves, he said. "Slow down. Take it in increments."
Anyone with a history of heart disease or emphysema should "absolutely not be shoveling snow," said Dr. Sergio Segarra, the director of emergency medical services for Sharon Regional Health System.
"Of course the people we see are the people who should not be shoveling snow," he said. "Anyone over the age of 50 really should consider not shoveling. They may in fact develop problems."
The wet snow topped with a layer of ice makes for some real exertion, Segarra said. Don't worry about the money or being a bother, Segarra said leave the shoveling for someone younger in the family or pay to have someone do it.
"Everyone I've taken care of ended up regretting it and ended up in the hospital," Segarra said. "It's just not worth it. There's enough people out there who are willing to do it."
Kathy Lehman, spokeswoman at United Community Hospital, Pine Township, said there weren't a lot of weather-related injuries there but statistics were unavailable.
Dr. Robert Maha, the director of emergency services for UPMC Horizon, said physicians are also seeing a lot of broken bones and severe bruises from slips on the ice.
"Most people are very sedentary and then they are exerting themselves more than they ever would," he said. "By shoveling, they are in essence giving (themselves) a stress (test) without medical supervision."
Anyone who feels it's necessary to shovel should take frequent breaks, Maha recommended.
"Don't shovel for more than five minutes at a time," he said. "If they experience any type of chest pain, tightness or shortness of breath then call 911 and be evaluated by a physician."
Emergency rooms are seeing more and more snowblower injuries. People are pushing the snowblowers into thick snow, Segarra said.
"It's not completely safe if you have a snowblower," he said. "You're still dealing with the cold element and exertion."
"We see a lot of injuries to the hands when people reach in to clean it out. It's similar to chainsaws," he said, adding that people should think ahead and take precautions.
