A Helping Hand for the Winter

For those of us in colder climates, it's Snow Time! Yes, for us in Delaware and for the other Basement Heads around the country, it's time for old man winter to come along and pelt us with lovely snow for a few months. While snow can make beautiful scenery, it doesn't typically move itself. So that leaves us to shovel it (unless the enterprising kid from down the street decides to try to add money to his video game fund by shoveling your walk)!


While there are many different types of snow shovels out there, we are finally seeing the emergence of ergonomic snow shovels. There are quite a few made by different manufacturers. While I haven't had the chance to try them out, I have heard that they can be great. The difference between the ergonomic snow shovels and a regular snow shovel is that the ergonomic shovel does not requite you to have to bend as much to lift the shovel. Since you're not bending as much to lift, you're not placing yourself at as much risk for a back injury.

Ergonomic Snow Shovel

Ergonomic snow shovels can cost between $20 and $60 and can be found everywhere from Wal-Mart to Amazon.com. You can also check out your local hardware store to see if they have them.


If you simply can't part with your beloved snow shovel, You can help yourself by adding a second handle to it. The Motus ergonomic grips let you do exactly that. The Motus grips are add on handles you can add to your snow shovel, broom, mop or really anything you need to push and lift.

Motus D-style Handle

Motus T-style Handle

Simply slide the grip into position and tighten. There are two styles of grip-- a D-style and a T-style which looks more like a peg than a T. Either of these handles can improve how well you can maneuver the shovel. Both styles are available through Green Heron Tools. Still, whether or not you're using and ergonomic shovel or one of these add-on handles, it's important that you use proper snow shoveling technique (yes, there is such a thing). Here are a couple of links to information to keep in mind when you're out shoveling.


CBS News Snow Shoveling Safety (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/02/24/health/healthy_living/main676316.shtml)


Spine Health "Snow Shoveling Techniques to Prevent Low-Back Injuries" (http://www.spine-health.com/wellness/ergonomics/snow-shoveling-techniques-prevent-low-back-injuries)




See ya next time!