The Deadly Mistake Minnesotans Make While Shoveling

A good chunk of Minnesota got pummeled with snow overnight and into this morning. We've got some shoveling in our future today!

How Much Snow Did Minnesota Get?

The Twin Cities and down I-35 definitely got hit the most. NOAA has reports of between 8 and 12 inches across most of the Twin Cities. There are a couple of spots just south of the Cities reporting 12-18 inches.

A majority of the rest of Minnesota got between 1 and 6 inches. However, one of the biggest dangers of this snowfall is the snow prompting blizzard warnings across southern Minnesota.

READ MORE: Blizzard Update: Crashes, Power Outages, Preliminary Snow Totals

Regardless, there is definitely snow to be shoveled today, especially in the Twin Cities and southern Minnesota. And it's going to be heavy and wet stuff, so we have to be careful.

Safety Tips for Shoveling Snow

There are a few things to be worried about a keep in mind while you're shoveling, especially wet, heavy snow. However, there's one mistake that we can make while shoveling that can easily turn deadly.

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One very important tip for shoveling heavy snow is to remember to lift with your legs. This stuff can really do a number on your back if you aren't doing this.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says that the best thing to do is to push snow instead of lifting it. But if you have to lift the snow, they have some tips:

Squat with your legs apart, knees bent, and back straight. Lift with your legs. Do not bend at the waist. Holding a shovelful of snow with your arms outstretched puts too much weight on your spine.

But that's not the most deadly mistake we can make. USA Today writes about a study that was published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine.

The study followed emergency room visits regarding snow removal between 1990 and 2006. The study found that "cardiac-related injuries were responsible for all of the 1,647 fatalities."

The Most Deadly Shoveling Mistake and How to Prevent It

Not taking care of your heart is the deadliest mistake people make while shoveling snow. And with heavy, wet snow this threat becomes even higher. This is especially dangerous for those who have heart problems.

The Weather Channel has some tips for us to protect ourselves and our hearts while shoveling:

Take regular breaks.

Drink plenty of water like when you're during a strenuous workout.

Don't drink caffeine before or while you're shoveling.

Don't drink alcohol before or while you're shoveling.

Don't smoke before or while you're shoveling.

If you have a huge amount of snow or ice, try not to shovel it. Use a snowblower instead.

Know the warning signs of a heart attack.

From the CDC, the warning signs of a heart attack include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, and pain or discomfort in your jaw, neck, back, arm, or shoulder.

Another warning sign of a heart attack specifically in women is if you're feeling nauseous, light-headed, or unusually tired.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, immediately stop shoveling and go see a doctor.

Silver lining: At least it's not insanely cold like it was a few weeks ago!