The snow came, and went. Then residents across our area were left to shovel out. But Dr. Sam Ward, a cardiologist at Saint Vincent, tells us, we need to take it easy clearing out what remains of this storm.
"Always the first big snow storm of the year, people want to go out and shovel their walks and their drive ways," said Dr. Ward. "If you're relatively sedentary, it may be too much."
Dr. Ward says many times, people experience discomfort and shortness of breath when shoveling. He reminds us that its important to not over do it.
"I'd be careful, I'd start slow and make sure you can handle it. Take a little bit at a time, make sure you feel okay and take breaks."
There were plenty of people on Thursday, shoveling their way out. Mary Fleming tells us this snow is a lot heavier than what she's used to, but she doesn't mind shoveling the snow.
"I like to keep the steps clear for the mailman and paper boy," said Fleming. "There's a lot of traffic on 6th Street, I like to keep it clear for the people walking by."
Bill Wolfram was also out clearing his sidewalk. He tells us after a heart attack four years, he makes sure to pace himself when shoveling.
"I just take it slow and easy and take a few shovel fulls," said Wolfram. "If I start getting winded, I just stop and lean on the shovel and take a break."
Dr. Ward says that if the pain and discomfort do persist after you pause from shoveling, you should contact your doctor.