Doctors urge shovel safety as Long Islanders dig out after overnight snowstorm
Doctors say shoveling snow can be more dangerous than people realize, especially when it is done all at once.
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Doctors are reminding Long Islanders to take it slow and shovel safely after the overnight snowstorm brought several inches to the Island.
Long Islanders spent their Saturday shoveling and digging out after Friday night’s snowstorm. As crews worked to clear roads, residents across Nassau and Suffolk counties were busy clearing driveways.
In Deer Park, resident Richard Damora spent the afternoon shoveling out his parking spot on the street. He said he had been outside for about two hours and expected to feel sore the next day.
“It’s pretty easy. I’ve been out here for two hours. I’ll probably feel this tomorrow. My body is probably going to ache tomorrow, but I am used to it,” Damora said.
Doctors say shoveling snow can be more dangerous than people realize, especially when it is done all at once. Dr. William Lawson, director of preventive cardiology at the Stony Brook Heart Institute, said taking breaks is key.
“Do it over the course of time. Don’t be heroic. The worst thing we see is when someone tries to complete the whole deal at once and then you see them at the end of the driveway and they are in trouble,” Lawson said.
In Port Jefferson, resident Brendan Rogers said community members were stepping up to help those who cannot shovel themselves.
“Me and my dad shoveled our driveway and then I saw some of the kids that go to Port Jeff High School. They’re charging elderly people, people that can’t do it themselves, around the neighborhoods to clear off driveways,” Rogers said.
Lawson also recommends letting someone know before you start shoveling so help can be called quickly if something goes wrong.
