Residential Education
Heart Health and Heavy Snow: Why You Should Outsource This Winter
⚠️ Snow shoveling is one of the leading causes of winter heart attacks and emergency room visits.
Why Snow Shoveling Is So Dangerous
Snow shoveling combines three heart-attack risk factors:
- 1. Sudden, Intense Physical Exertion: Most people don't warm up before shoveling, putting immediate strain on the heart.
- 2. Cold Air: Cold temperatures constrict blood vessels, increasing blood pressure and reducing oxygen supply to the heart.
- 3. Heavy Lifting: Wet snow can weigh 15-20 pounds per shovelful. Multiply that by hundreds of repetitions.
Who Is Most at Risk?
- Adults over 55 (especially men)
- People with existing heart conditions
- Those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Sedentary individuals who don't exercise regularly
- Smokers
Virginia Department of Emergency Management Warning
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management explicitly warns about the dangers of overexertion during snow shoveling, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The Safer Alternative: Professional Snow Removal
Evergreen Plowing: Affordable Protection
For the cost of a single copay or ER visit, you can have your driveway professionally cleared all winter:
- ✓ $120 per snowfall for driveway plowing
- ✓ No physical exertion required
- ✓ Professional equipment clears in minutes (not hours)
- ✓ Peace of mind for you and your family
For Active Adult Communities
Residents of 55+ communities like CrossRidge and The Manor at Hunton Park should especially consider professional snow removal. Don't risk your health to save a few dollars.
Your health is worth more than the cost of snow removal.