How to prevent shoveling injuries

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The snow can be a real back-breaker...literally.

Each year, snow shoveling causes more than 10,000 injuries and medical emergencies.

And after this storm, the cleanup is no easy task.

Bob Terenzi of West Springfield told 22News, “The tough part, the really tough part is when the snow plows come by and pack the snow up against your property and that's really dense and even with a snowblower I'm having a hard time.”

Trying to shovel the heavy snow is a workout in itself and can be a real stress on the heart.

Say you have an 800 square foot driveway and with 2 feet of snow, by the time you're done shoveling, it could add up to about 10,000 pounds of snow.

Stan Cijka of West Springfield told 22News, “Yeah, I have a special technique, they're called my two sons David and Connor. So I just had to do a little bit and they and the neighbors did the rest.”

But not everyone has someone around to help with the shoveling, so 22News is working for you with some shoveling tips:

• Drink water before heading out, dehydration is still an issue in the winter months.
• Warm up your muscles.
• Pick the right shovel for you.
• Lift with your legs, not your back
• Listen to your body, if you feel pain, stop.

And if you finish without injury, ice or sand after so you don't get hurt after all of your hard work.