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As winter blankets Oregon with fresh snowfall this week, cities like Salem, Eugene, Portland, Corvallis, and Bend are bracing for the annual ritual of shoveling. But for many, especially older residents and those with health concerns, the task can be deadly. With snow removal ordinances requiring property owners to clear sidewalks and driveways within 24 hours of a storm, experts urge caution: When it comes to shoveling, age and health matter.
Key Risks: Who Should Avoid Shoveling?
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine reveals a startling reality: Between 1990 and 2006, roughly 200,000 adults visited emergency rooms due to snow shoveling accidents, with over 1,600 deaths recorded. The American Heart Association (AHA) warns that anyone over 45 should proceed with caution, especially those with heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, or a sedentary lifestyle. Smokers and individuals with limited physical activity are also at heightened risk.
“Shoveling snow is like a sudden, intense workout for your heart,” an AHA spokesperson noted. “It can spike blood pressure and strain muscles, especially in cold weather.”
Safety Tips: Shovel Smarter, Not Harder
For those who must shovel, experts and community members alike share strategies to reduce risk:
- Shovel in Stages: “If the forecast predicts heavy snow, clear it every few hours during the storm,” advised a Reddit user. “Waiting until the end can lead to dangerous overexertion.”
- Push, Don’t Lift: Use a lightweight shovel to push snow rather than lifting and tossing it. Stand upright to avoid back strain. “Kick the back of the shovel to release snow instead of bending,” another Reddit tip suggested.
- Ergonomic Tools: Invest in a shovel with a curved handle. “Those ‘goofy’ bent-handle shovels save your back,” one user raved.
- Leaf Blowers and Snowblowers: For lighter, drier snow, leaf blowers can clear surfaces quickly. Snowblowers reduce heart strain, raising your heart rate to 120 beats per minute versus 170 when shoveling manually, per the AHA.
- Prevent Ice Buildup: Shovel early and often to avoid packed snow and icy patches. “Let the sun help with the final cleanup,” a user shared.
Community Support: Be a Good Neighbor
For those unable to shovel, community spirit shines through. “Check on elderly or immobile neighbors,” urged local officials. “Offer to clear their walkways—it could save a life.”
Oregon’s Snow Removal Ordinances
Cities like Portland and Salem enforce fines for unshoveled sidewalks, emphasizing public safety. But with penalties looming, the pressure to shovel can overlook health risks. “The law doesn’t account for who can or can’t shovel,” said a Corvallis resident. “We need more grace—and more neighbors stepping up.”
The Science Behind the Strain
Cold weather constricts blood vessels, raising heart attack risks during exertion. Shoveling’s repetitive motion and heavy lifting compound the danger. “It’s a perfect storm for cardiac events,” a local cardiologist explained.
Future Steps: Rethinking Snow Removal
As Oregon’s population ages, cities may need to reassess ordinances. “We could subsidize snow removal for seniors or partner with volunteer groups,” suggested a Portland city planner. Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to prioritize safety over penalties.
Conclusion
This winter, Oregon’s snowfall is a call to action—not just for clearing paths, but for protecting health. Whether you’re 45 or 75, listen to your body. Hire help, borrow a snowblower, or ask a neighbor. After all, the goal isn’t just to shovel snow—it’s to stay safe, warm, and connected.
As one Reddit user put it, “A cleared driveway isn’t worth a heart attack. Take it slow, and look out for each other.”
