ICE

 

As I write this, we have about 6-8" of snow on the ground here in OKC as part of the great winter storm of 2026. I can see a 3 foot snow drift out my front window where snow has been piling up against a large landscape rock. The snow accumulated there as it slid or blew off the roof. The snow is beautiful and will be around awhile with predictions of super cold temperature for the next several days. 

This post is titled ICE but is about snow and ice and not touching on the current political discussion and protest about the other kind of ICE. Hopefully the blog will benefit from extra views because of the clever title.

In retirement, I really get to enjoy these snow conditions without the worry of work pressures and getting behind in a work schedule. I can sit back, enjoy the views and a cup of coffee. No worries of wondering if I can get on the roads and get to work today. I turned 60 last year and was interested in a recent article from USAToday titled "When Should You Stop Snow Shoveling?". The article says that snow shoveling puts a heavy strain on the heart. I have always heard that the activity shows an increase in heart attacks. My past snow shoveling is less about shoveling but more of a bull dozer motion of pushing the snow off to the side of a sidewalk or driveway. Even that activity will get your heart rate up. The article said between 1990 and 2006 there were 200,000 adult seen in emergency rooms for snow shoveling incidents with 1600 deaths. They recommend not shoveling snow definitely after 65 but even recommend an earlier age of 45 as the cutoff date for this activity.

This is more than enough information for me to avoid this activity from now on! Most of the time I let nature take care of melting the snow. The few times I did clear snow was probably more for the entertainment of the activity and satisfaction of a clear walkway and driveway. In OKC, we get a few snows through the winter but most don't measure up to more than a few inches. This snow is a particularly heavy one for us. I can't imagine living further north or around the Great Lakes and dealing with feet of snow. 

So, during the huge winter storm, which is affecting a large portion of the country, take caution with snow removal. Also heed the warning about the extreme cold. Humans have been dealing with snow forever. The first snow shoes were invented 4,000-6,000 years ago. Snow skis were invented about 8,000 years ago. The earliest snow shovel was found in Russia and is about 6,000 years old. You have to wonder how many men have died since then from this horrible tool. I say men, because the studies show that is who is out shoveling snow and then dying from the activity. 

Do you shovel snow? Or, do you have a snowblower or hire someone to clear the snow? Has anyone had a cardiac event while shoveling snow that you would like to share?

If you are over 45, hire a snow removal company or 16 year old kid. Enjoy the snow, play, take photos but do not pick up that snow shovel! Stay safe and stay warm! Spring is only a few months away!