Important Health Tips for Cold-Weather Snow Removal

Don't Do This...Be Better Prepared for the Snow/Ice Removal

As the snow and ice arrive, clearing your driveway and sidewalk does not seem like a big deal, but 34% more heart attacks occur when snow is on the ground than when it is not. (Heart.org) But shoveling snow in cold weather can pose risks, particularly for older adults, smokers, individuals with heart conditions, or those not used to physical activity. The cold, combined with strenuous effort, can greatly raise the chances of a heart attack or injury.

Before you start shoveling, consider: Is it safe for me to do this in these conditions?

If you are not very fit or not used to cold weather, consider hiring help or using a snowblower. Heavy snowfall has been linked to a sharp rise in heart attacks and related deaths, so don’t take unnecessary risks. Prevent falls and other injuries by being honest about your health and physical condition before shoveling.

Prepare Smart and Safety First

• Dress in layers: Wear a hat, gloves, boots, and a scarf, or face covering, to protect your skin and warm the air you breathe. The colder it is, the more important it is to bundle up.
• Warm up: Do some light stretching or a gentle indoor activity to get your muscles ready before heading outside.
• Hydrate: Drink water before and during your work. Take regular breaks and avoid caffeine, which can elevate your heart rate.  Avoid alcohol too!
• Shovel in short bursts: For heavy snow, go out every few inches and work in 10–20-minute intervals, pushing rather than lifting snow. Take breaks indoors to warm up.
• Listen to your body: Stop immediately if you feel tired, dizzy, short of breath, or have chest pain.
• Know the warning signs: If you experience chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, dizziness, or pain radiating to your arm or jaw, call 911 right away.

Remember: Your health is more important than a clear driveway and sidewalk. If you’re at high risk or have any concerns, it’s safer to get help or use power equipment cautiously. For tips on getting physically fit and building your strength, check out beginner workouts and advice at StewSmithFitness.com. 

Related article at Military.com

Tools To Get The Job Done Faster, Better, Easier 

These programs are proven for the 40+ age group but they require a few new rules if you want to stay focused and able to train (regardless of where you are on the fitness spectrum). 

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Discover the Secret to Unlocking Your Best Health After 50 (latest program developed)

As you cross the wonderful milestone of 50, you might find that your body doesn’t quite bounce back the way it used to. You’re not alone in this—many men and women in your age group are searching for ways to revive their fitness levels without feeling overwhelmed. That’s where longtime coach and fitness writer Stew Smith’s newest book, "The Ageless Athlete: Fitness Over 50," comes into play. This book may just be the spark you need to ignite your fitness journey.

Truth is, there are people over 60 and 70 doing this workout. Even the advanced section. It works and will help you progress from beginner to intermediate to advanced. 

Have you been thinking about getting back in shape but don’t know where to start?

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The ability to maintain optimism and persistence even in the face of repeated challenges sets them apart. It is a mindset, a Never Quit Mindset. 

OPTIONS: Book, eBook, Audio Book, and Video Training Course

Here is a list of what we do at StewSmithFitness.com

Core Mission

• Tactical Fitness Training For the Candidate / Recruit: Specializing in preparing individuals for military, special ops, law enforcement, and firefighter selection programs (getting you "TO and THROUGH" training).
  
  
• Functional Training for Both Active Duty / Recruits: Utilizing a seasonal tactical fitness periodization system that balances longer workouts of running/rucking, swimming, and calisthenics during the Spring/Summer when days are longer. Then, the focus shifts in the Fall/Winter to lifting (Cals/cardio maintenance) when the days are shorter/colder. This process has 25 years of proven success building tactical athletes who improve in all areas of fitness: strength, power, speed, agility, endurance, muscle stamina, mobility, flexibility, and grip.
  
  
• 
• Becoming an Asset for All Types: Even non-tactical athletes want to be of use in situations that require some level of fitness to get through the day. Be an asset, not a liability, in potentially dangerous situations, whether natural or man-made. Fitness can be a common denominator in successfully enduring life-or-death scenarios. 

Specific Programs & Courses

• The Ageless Athlete (Fitness Over 50): A 22-week program designed for beginners to advanced trainees looking to regain fitness, flexibility, and energy.
  
  
• Tactical Fitness Over 40: After training people for over 25 years now, many who started with me in the early 2000s are now in their 40s and beyond. Learning how to shift training to remain an asset while also offering longevity, flexibility, and mobility is central to this 52-week program. (4-part series)
  
  
• Tactical Fitness Course: An 80-minute course on preparing for Spec Ops selection, getting TO and THROUGH the toughest military special ops’ programs using this two-phase system.
  
  
  Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization - A 25 Year proven system to become a tactical athlete. 
  
  
• The Never Quit Mindset Book and Course: The "Never Quit Mindset" book and course is a deep dive into building constructive habits that incrementally improve discipline, build mental toughness, and foster a Never Quit Mindset in anything you want to do.
  
  
• Specialized Workout Plans: Specific, tailored programs for Navy SEAL (Phases 1-4), SWCC, Army (SF/Ranger/Airborne), USMC MarSOC / (RECON), Air Force (PJ/CCT), Coast Guard, Law Enforcement (FBI/DEA/FLETC), Fire Fighter, and general fitness too for beginners and advanced athletes alike.
  
  
  

Resources and Content

• • Extensive Content Library: Over 1,000 free articles, 200+ podcasts, and social media content (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram) featuring Spec Ops swim critiques and LIVE QA sessions.
    
    
  • FREE Local Training for those preparing to serve! Check out HeroesofTomorrow.org for our location and schedule.
    
    
    
  • NEW SKOOL.com Tactical Fitness Community
    
    
  • Educational Materials: Over 40 options for eBooks, videos, printed books, podcasts (200+), and online video courses.
    
    
  • Apps: Pushup Push, Pullup Push, FBI workout, and Navy SEAL exercise apps (iPhone/Android).
    
    
  • LIVE QA Sessions Each Week: Monday and Tuesday, 9 am EST on social media platforms (YouTube, Instagram, Facebook) and Skool.com Tactical Fitness community.
    
    
  • Online Coaching: Personalized programming based on specific goals, equipment, and your time availability.
    
    
  • Membership Site: Access to hundreds of weeks of training, unpublished workouts, and exclusive content, weekly newsletter sent to subscribers with the week's latest articles, videos, and workouts (beginner/intermediate, and advanced special ops prep workouts).