Snowstorm Juno threatens to dump more than two feet of snow over much of the Northeast
You can avoid strain and injury by following snow shoveling safety tips
Rhinebeck, NY (PRWEB) January 26, 2015
The Northeast is bracing for Winter Storm Juno, with forecasts of the blizzard dumping over two feet of snow over seven states, including major metropolitan areas in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Maine. Headquartered in New York’s Hudson Valley, Topical BioMedics offers snow shoveling tips to help residents dig out safely.
Lou Paradise, president and chief of research of Topical BioMedics, the makers of Topricin pain relief and healing cream formulas, says, “We’re experiencing a rough patch of brutal winter weather, and so it’s important for everyone to be aware there are ways to protect their body while dealing with massive amounts of snow.”
COLD COMFORT SNOW SHOVELING TIPS
Here are some tips for staying safe and healthy while fighting the elements and shoveling the driveway and walkways.
--Keep yourself hydrated. You may be surprised to know that your body uses more water in winter than in the summer. That’s because it takes a lot of energy to keep warm, and the heat generated to maintain a stable temperature uses up moisture. Drink plenty of water, and avoid coffee, non-herbal tea and soda as caffeine is dehydrating.
--Dress in layers for thermal protection. You can peel them off as your body heats up. You’ll want to keep dry, too—especially your feet--since wetness intensifies the damage cold weather does to your body. Wear a hat, scarf, gloves or mittens, and good quality socks—and even sock liners--and water proof footwear to keep feet warm and dry.
--Don’t forget your face, ears, and eyes. UV protection is important, and good polarized sunglasses will prevent “snow blinding” as the sun glares off snow. Use goggles to prevent wind chill. Because the nose and ears are easily frostbitten and cold air breathed into lungs is harmful, wear a facemask if you expect to be outside for any length of time or when the temperature drops below 21 degrees Fahrenheit.
--Be sure to stretch and warm up before working outdoors, as cold muscles are more easily injured. Then afterwards stretch and cool down.
--Stay ahead of the game—it’s easier to remove snow in thin layers than wait until all the snow has fallen. With major storms like Juno, try to get out and shovel in several passes.
--An ergonomic snow shovel will make it easier on your body. One with a curved handle or an adjustable-length handle will minimize bending while keeping the shovel blade on the ground. Choose a smaller, lighter model to prevent strain and injury, and use your knees to lift instead of your back.
--Be mindful to maintain proper posture:
* Use your leg muscles as much as possible, pushing the snow when you can. Use your legs to lift when you can't push it.
* Keep your back straight as you move from a squat to an upright position.
* Hold the snow shovel close to your upper body, and use your shoulder muscles as much as possible.
* Do not twist your upper body as you throw snow. Pace yourself, and lift light loads, to prevent strain and injury
* Do not shovel after eating or while smoking
* Never let your breathing get heavy and labored, and don’t let your heart race—stop and rest whenever you feel your body is getting stressed.
--Check with your doctor if you have a medical problem. Snow shoveling places a great deal of stress on the heart, so if you have a medical condition or do not exercise regularly, speak with your doctor about whether or not you should undertake the task.
--Purchase a pair of Yaktrax, ice traction devises for shoes. Named after the sure-footed Tibetan Yak, they will help you keep your footing on snow and ice while shovelling or even walking to the mailbox.
--Before and after outdoor activity apply safe, natural Topricin Pain Relief and Healing Cream. When applied beforehand, it helps maintain vibrant micro capillary blood flow in your extremities and helps maintain a more constant blood flow. Applied afterwards, it stimulates maximum blood flow to chilled extremities, helping to get them warm more quickly. It also eases the aches and pains of exertion by helping the body to heal the damage that’s causing the pain.
ABOUT TOPICAL BIOMEDICS
20 years in business and a Certified B Corporation, Topical BioMedics is a research and development leader in topical patented natural biomedicines for pain relief. The company’s flagship product, Topricin® Pain Relief and Healing Cream, was introduced in 1994 and is now a leading natural therapeutic brand. A combination biomedicine formula, Topricin has been awarded a patent for the treatment of pain associated with fibromyalgia and neuropathy, and was listed among the Top 100 Green Products of 2012 by Healthy Holistic Living.
The Topricin family of natural healing products also includes Topricin Foot Therapy Cream, specially formulated to treat painful foot and ankle issues and conditions, and Topricin for Children, which received the Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Approval (with 5% of sales donated to pediatric cancer foundations). Made in the U.S.A., all Topricin products are federally-regulated over-the-counter medicines with no known side effects, no parabens, petroleum, or other harsh chemicals, no grease, and no odor.
For over 20 years, the company has assisted hundreds of thousands of people suffering with pain and those addicted to painkillers to achieve fully restored and robust healthy living. Unfortunately, millions of people continue to suffer in pain, with many experiencing the hazardous side effects of OTC chemical pain pills or negative effects of narcotic Rx painkillers—an epidemic that turns the lives of American families upside down and is undermining the very fabric of our country.
Topical BioMedics now offers TopTrack, a new app for on-the-go pain tracking and monitoring. TopTrack is available free of charge for iPad via the App Store, and will roll out on additional devices in the coming months. http://bit.ly/1rIQD89
Topricin is available in independent pharmacies, natural food and co-op stores nationwide, including Whole Foods, Sprouts, Pharmaca, The Vitamin Shoppe, Fred Meyer, Wegmans, CVS (Foot Care Section), Walgreens (Diabetic Section), and other fine retailers, as well as directly from the company.
For more information visit http://www.topricin.com
SOURCES:
Topical BioMedics, Inc.
The National Safety Council
OrthoInfo
Popular Mechanics
Spine-Health
The Weather Channel
Weather.com