SouthCoast Blizzard Shoveling Raises Health Concerns

As the SouthCoast woke up to a brutal blizzard, I don’t think anyone was fully prepared for what this storm had in store. One look outside told the story: thick, heavy snow, whipping winds, and that clear-as-day feeling that this wasn’t just another winter dusting.

For years, I lived up in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom while attending Lyndon State College, where storms like this were almost routine. Once the snow started falling, you basically accepted that grass wouldn’t make another appearance until spring. It was just part of life, but here on the SouthCoast, it’s been a while since we’ve been hit with something this intense – and that alone raises some real health concerns.

Ever since my own heart attack scare back in 2020, I’ve been especially mindful about anything that pushes me too hard physically, and yes, shoveling snow absolutely falls into that category – especially when the snow is wet, heavy, and relentless like this storm has delivered.

Why Heavy Snow Can Be Risky for Your Heart

According to the American Heart Association, snow shoveling can place sudden, intense stress on the heart. Cold air constricts blood vessels, which can raise blood pressure, while the physical effort of lifting heavy snow forces the heart to work even harder. It's a deadly combination that can increase the risk of heart attack, particularly for people with existing heart conditions, high blood pressure, or those who aren’t used to strenuous activity.

READ MORE: New Bedford Residents Could Face Fines for Improper Snow Removal

The AHA specifically warns that heavy, wet snow – exactly what we’re dealing with right now – could be dangerous and should be removed at a slow and steady pace.

Simple Ways to Stay Safe While Shoveling

The AHA suggests the following precautions:

• Push snow instead of lifting whenever possible
• Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated
• Dress in layers so your body stays warm without overheating
• Stop immediately if you feel chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath
• And if you have heart concerns, it might be smartest to hire help or use a snowblower.

The bottom line here isn’t to scare anyone. It’s awareness.

READ MORE: New Bedford Police Cracks Down on Snow Parking Savers

This snow is no joke, and neither is heart health. February is National Heart Month, and our friends at Southcoast Health have a dedicated website to helping you stay heart healthy.

Trust me, after being out there all morning barely making a dent in the sidewalk, I can tell you firsthand: listen to your body, pace yourself, and most importantly, stay safe out there.