From sore backs to tired arms, many people are feeling the strain of yesterday’s blizzard. But, the Heart and Stroke Foundation is warning that shoveling wet and heavy snow can have much more serious effects on one’s health.

Resuscitation Program Manager for the Atlantic region, Tisha White says mortality rates for heart attacks are 10 per cent higher in the winter months, and that risk increases the older people get. As well, cold weather is associated with higher blood pressure, which increases heart attack and stroke risks.

She says lifting hundreds of pounds of snow in a relatively short amount of time can put a dangerous strain on the heart, especially when people have other risk factors.

White shares some tips to reduce the risk while clearing walkways and driveways.

She encourages people take time to warm up, take breaks, and shovel the snow while it is still fresh.