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Physical Therapy in Massapequa

Snow Safety

With the temperatures dropping and winter approaching, it is important to learn about how to stay safe during the cold weather. With all of our routine winter activities underway, including holiday decorating, snow shoveling, playing winter sports and even driving in snow, keep reading to learn more about snow safety. If you’re looking for physical therapy in Massapequa, to help you today, visit Park Physical Therapy today!

 

Shoveling snow

Shoveling snow can be a laborious activity that takes up much of our time during these cold winter storms. Because it can put quite a strain on the body, you should always be careful when shoveling snow. Try to take breaks during shoveling sessions, so that way you can keep your body warm. To avoid injury, be sure to warm up your body before shoveling, and scoop only small amounts of snow at a time to avoid heavy lifting. In addition to that, use the proper lifting technique for shoveling snow: keep the back straight, lift with the legs and do not turn or twist the body.

If you are using a snow blower instead of a shovel, while this may sound like a good idea in terms of saving time and labor, that does not mean you need you to be any less careful. When trying to clean your snow blower, make sure the equipment is properly guarded and is disconnected from power sources. Snow blowers can also be dangerous when they are not properly maintained and can cause severe injuries when attempting to clear jams, such as lacerations or amputations. While trying to clean your snow blower, be sure that it is turned off by waiting for all moving parts to stop. Never try to clean it using your hands: instead, use a long stick to clear wet snow or debris from the machine. Refuel a snow blower prior to starting the machine; do not add fuel when the equipment is running or when the engine is hot.

 

Winter driving

When driving in the snow, it is important to recognize the dangers of driving in winter weather conditions, such as snow, blizzards, or ice storms. Before driving in cold weather, you should practice cold weather driving, and be sure to check that your car is in good condition for a potential weather-related situation you might end up in. Have your brakes, cooling system, electrical system, engine, exhaust system, tires, and lights inspected, to avoid catastrophe during a storm. You do not want any parts to go bad while driving, especially during a snowstorm.

In addition to making sure your car is prepared for cold weather, make sure that you are also prepared. Put together a winter emergency kit, and keep it in your car. This is especially helpful if you are driving long distances, and may not be within reach of others.

  • Cellphone or two-way radio
  • Windshield ice scraper
  • Snowbrush
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Shovel
  • Tow chain
  • Traction aids (bag of sand or cat litter)
  • Emergency flares
  • Jumper cables
  • Snacks
  • Water
  • Roadmaps
  • Blankets, change of clothes

 

If you plan on making a winter road trip somewhere, be sure that you’re prepared beforehand, and never go alone. Having a partner will make the experience easier, and be sure that your partner is prepared beforehand as well. At Park Physical Therapy, our physical therapy in Massapequa will be able to give you the help you need with any injury you sustain!