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A AMC MAGA Z I N E | W I N T E R 2 01 3
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Healthier U
Do It Now
When spending less
becomes a necessity,
there are some things
you shouldn’t cut from
the budget. Health care
is one of them. Cutting
corners on your medical
care might actually cost
you more in the long run. More important,
it may put your health in jeopardy.
Still, as deductibles and co-pays rise
and many people find themselves without
health insurance, lowering out-of-pocket
medical expenses may become a priority.
Internist Stephanie Martin, MD, offers
these steps to help you stay healthy and
lower your medical costs.
1.
Practice good health habits.
Make
smart choices, such as these:
• 
Wash your hands often.
• 
Eat well—more fruits, vegetables and
whole grains, and fewer foods and
drinks that are high in calories, sugar,
salt, or fat.
• 
Get rest and regular exercise.
• 
Manage stress.
• 
Don’t smoke, and avoid second­hand
smoke when you can.
• 
Wear seat belts in vehicles and helmets
on bikes.
2.
Have a primary care physician.
Seeing a doctor periodically can help you
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Ways to Help
Keep Medical
For shovelers
››
Use a shovel that feels
comfortable—one that’s
not too long or heavy.
››
If you can, push the snow aside
rather than lifting it.
››
If you must scoop and lift the
snow, use the proper technique:
Bend your knees, keep your back
straight and lift with your legs.
Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; National Safety Council
For snowblowers
››
Never clear a jammed snowblower with
your hands—use a solid object (the
motor and blades can recoil even after
the machine has been shut off).
››
Keep children away from the area
you’re clearing.
››
Do not add fuel when the motor is
running or when the engine is hot.
For everyone
Ask your doctor if you’re healthy or fit
enough to remove snow—it’s an intense
physical activity that can stress the heart.
If you have a medical condition or aren’t
used to exercising, your doctor may
recommend that you hire someone to
clear snow for you.
If you get the go-ahead to do it yourself,
be sure to wear shoes or boots with
slip-resistant soles. And clear snow early
and often—it’s easier to deal with a light
covering of snow rather than a dense,
heavy accumulation.
Stephanie
Martin, MD
Removing Snow? Keep It Safe
Winter means it may be time to dig out the snow shovel or dust off that
snowblower—and brush up on how to safely remove snow, no matter which
method you use.
While removing snow may seem to be a straightforward (albeit unwelcome)
chore, it’s not without risks. Each year thousands of people end up in the
emergency room with injuries from removing snow, either manually or
with a machine.
So the next time you clear the sidewalk or dig out the driveway, keep these
precautions in mind.