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Show AMA has word of caution for shovelers As snow piles up, so do related re-lated problems. Among these every year is the collapse of a number of snow-shovelers. If you are sure that you're physically fit, go ahead with the snow-shoveling task, the American Medical Association says. But if there is any doubt, AMA suggests: Get the job done some other way. Hire someone, or use power equipment. equip-ment. It is much less expensive to employ these alternatives than to risk health impairment or death, AMA emphasizes. Even if you are physically fit, AMA notes, it is safer to use a small shovel, filling it only partly. If possible, it also is better to push the snow rather ra-ther than lift it. By thus lightening the load, it's explained, it is not necessary neces-sary to tense the diaphram and abdominal muscles. There consequently con-sequently is no significant increase in-crease in pressure within the chest cavity or increase in circulatory cir-culatory demand within the heart walls. Frequently, AMA says, the problem with snow-shoveling is aggravation of an existing heart condition. When such a condition exists, breathing cold air while under physical strain may cause a spasm of small arteries ar-teries serving the heart. This usually can be avoided, AMA advises, by wearing a cold weather mask or covering the face with several layers of a knit scarf. This permits warming war-ming of inhaled air before it reaches the lungs Even for the physically fit, it's suggested, the motto should be: Easy does it. Especially when there is a lot of snow and a large area to be cleared, do the job in stages, resting periodically. Finally, AMA cautions, falls also are a hazard for the snow-ihoveler. snow-ihoveler. Footwear that is not 'ikely to slip on icy surfaces, and making sure of firm footing foot-ing before moving snow are important. |