With a major winter storm hitting New England this weekend, CareWell Urgent Care urges residents to pay attention to shoveling safety.

If you have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, obesity or if you are or have been a smoker or lead a sedentary lifestyle, it be smart to ask someone else to shovel. Paying the kid next door could save your life. The combination of cold and sudden activity can increase the risk of heart attack while shoveling snow or even pushing a snow blower. Both are labor intensive--particularly when the snow is heavy and wet.

This aerobic activity, combined with cold temperatures, can constrict blood vessels and decrease the amount of oxygen getting to your heart. So please take seriously the risks to your health if you have a history of anyheart disease.   If you MUST shovel, do only those areas that are truly needed for your family’s safety; help any neighbors who need it; and shovel out fire hydrants.  Tips to follow before shoveling include:

• ·         Warm up before heading outside

Walk in place, shake your arms, or even do some jumping jacks to prepare your muscles.

• Practice proper technique

Push the snow with your shovel to clear walkways  Avoid lifting and tossing the snow with your shovel. Pushing the snow will put less strain on your back. If you must lift the snow, try to bend your knees and lift with your legs rather than your back.

• Dress in layers

As you warm up by shoveling, remove layers to keep from overheating.

• Take frequent breaks--Hydrate

Stop every few minutes to stretch, rest, and be sure to sip water, especially if you sweat  much.

CareWell Urgent Care operates an urgent care center in Patriot Square, Dennis.