SATURDAY, Dec. 25, 2004 (HealthDayNews) -- With winter's arrival, the snow shovel may now seem as inevitable as death and taxes.
However, there's some good to be had in pushing the white stuff around.
Clearing the snow from your driveway and sidewalk can be a good form of exercise. The U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health says 15 minutes of snow shoveling counts as moderate physical activity.
But if you pile on too much effort and don't follow safety guidelines, snow shoveling can burden you with a flurry of injuries, or even kill you.
Back injuries, pulled muscles and heart attack are among the potential health threats. The cold air makes it more difficult for you to breathe, and that can add extra strain on your hardworking body. Don't forget hypothermia and frostbite are possible if you don't wear the proper clothing.
Nevertheless, don't let all this melt your enthusiasm. Here's a blizzard of tips for safe snow shoveling from the National Safety Council:
More information
You can find more information about snow-shoveling safety at the American Physical Therapy Association.