Sarnia-Lambton is digging out after 15-25 cm of heavy wet snow fell across the region Sunday.
Lambton Public Health is reminding residents to take proper precautions when shoveling.
Health Promotion Supervisor Donna Schmidtmeyer says keeping your health in mind is critical.
"Warm up first, warm up your muscles, that increases your circulation and helps reduce muscle strain," says Schmidtmeyer. "As you are shoveling you're going to heat up and get warmer, so make sure you're dressed in layers so you can maintain reasonable body temperature. Take lots of water breaks, you're doing an exercise so you do need to have water."
In extreme cold and windchill conditions, 15 minutes of shoveling should be followed by a 15 minute break.
Try to push the snow if possible rather than lifting it. If you must throw it, take only as much as you can easily lift and turn your feet to avoid twisting your back.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation also recommends not shoveling immediately after a meal which increases strain on the heart and risk of a heart attack.
