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JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – This winter when removing snow, it’s important to be safe while doing so.

According to the National Safety Council, snow shoveling is responsible for thousands of injuries and as many as 100 deaths each year.

Dr. Nick Schmidt is with Sanford Health in Jamestown.

Dr. Schmidt adds this is the case for all ages and should be kept in mind when the snow gets heavy this winter.

He says last year, there were multiple injuries nationwide when attempting to remove snow.

When it’s time to remove that snow, Dr. Schmidt says there are ways to shovel safely and ensure you reduce any potential health risk.

Other risk reducing steps to take include:

  • Do not shovel after eating or while smoking
  • Take it slow and stretch out before you begin
  • Shovel only fresh, powdery snow; it’s lighter
  • Push the snow rather than lifting it
  • If you do lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel
  • Lift with your legs, not your back
  • Do not work to the point of exhaustion
  • Know the signs of a heart attack, and stop immediately and call 911 if you’re experiencing any of them; every minute counts

Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Dr. Nick Schmidt below: