The Quabbin Business Group - "Givers Gain"

Simply walking outside in the freezing weather without layers of warm clothing can intensify older joint problems and cause a great deal of pain.  As muscles and blood vessels contract to conserve the body's heat, the blood supply to extremities is reduced.  This lowers the functional capacity of many muscles, particularly among the physically unfit.  Preparation for an outdoor winter activity, including conditioning the areas of the body that are most vulnerable, can help avoid injury and costly health care bills.

 Shoveling Snow

• When you do shovel, push the snow straight ahaead.  Don't try to throw it.  Walk it to the snow bank.  Avoid sudden twisting and turning motions.
• Bend your knees to lift when shoveling.  Let the muscles of your legs and arms do the work, not your back.

After any winter activity, if you are sore, apply an ice pack to the affected area for 20 minutes, then take it off for a couple of hours.  Repeat a couple of times each day over the next day or two.

If you continue to feel soreness, pain or strain after following these tips, it is time to call ProHealth Chiropractic at 413-589-1110.

For the full version of this article, please follow the link below.

http://www.acatoday.org/membersonly/frameset.cfm?FIND=winter_activities.pdf