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PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- Just in time for an unaccustomed snow event in the Mid-Atlantic, a Pennsylvania expert reminds those 45 and older not to shovel snow because it can kill you.
Dr. Susan Wainwright, vice chairwoman of the department of physical therapy at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, warns shoveling snow -- an extremely strenuous activity -- can cause those in poor physical shape and not be prepared for the stress of shoveling snow to sustain muscle pulls, back injuries and strains.
I am 70, overweight and I shovel my own snow. I also exercise every day, and don't overdo it. 5-10 minutes of shoveling, 5 minute break. Repeat as needed.
I also do not have a lot of sidewalk to do, and no driveway. And I use icemelt liberally so that I don't have to redo the job too often.
It's also wise not to do this on a full stomach. Before starting I sometimes walk briskly on my treadmill and some upper body work with weights..
I do have coronary artery disease, discussed it with my cardio and know exactly when to stop. And do.
However if I had more than the limited walks I shovel, I would get a snow blower.
Age 45?! That's boloney! Who can justify the validity of a blanket statement like that!? Whether or not someone should shovel snow depends on the overall health of THAT PARTICULAR PERSON. Just because someone reaches the magical age of 45 doesn't mean they suddenly have one foot in the grave. There are 20-year-olds who, do to health reasons, ought not shovel snow; and I'm sure there are 70-year-olds who are still healthy enough for that kind of activity.
I suspect that this so-called "Pennsylvania expert" was hoping to make headlines and a name for him/herself.
We shoveled our house. We shoveled several neighbors' houses.
And since our street was never plowed, we shoveled it too. Then we used the ice chipper to break the 2" thick ice and scrape it loose from the street.
My husband and I never felt physically taxed once. The most that hurts is the heal of my right hand from the butt of the shovel.
I do recognize there is a risk in shoveling snow. But I think most people know if they are physically fit enough to do it.
That is soooo nice of you and your husband.
Think the neighbors could get together and perhaps get you two a good massage at the local health spa, perhaps?
throwing out my back for a few days (pain) which will otherwise go away in time, i feel that shoveling, as long as it's done at leisure and not rushed(like having to get to work and having to shovel) actually feels good and is healthy. i have come back inside feeling better than i did when i woke up from the exercise and fresh air and cold
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Age 45?! That's boloney! Who can justify the validity of a blanket statement like that!? Whether or not someone should shovel snow depends on the overall health of THAT PARTICULAR PERSON. Just because someone reaches the magical age of 45 doesn't mean they suddenly have one foot in the grave. There are 20-year-olds who, do to health reasons, ought not shovel snow; and I'm sure there are 70-year-olds who are still healthy enough for that kind of activity. 
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