Published in Blackstone Valley Call & Times on January 27, 2026
With an upcoming winter storm forecast for New England, Michelle Clark, Executive Director of the Southern New England American Heart Association, is urging older Rhode Islanders to take extra precautions when shoveling snow. She warns that sudden physical exertion in cold temperatures may lead to an increased risk of heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest.
This historic winter storm is already impacting the South and has brought destructive ice and heavy snow across 34 states, including the Midwest and Northeast. The arctic blast has brought extremely cold temperatures to the Eastern U.S. from Sunday through the week.
According to RINewsToday, Rhode Island has receive 16.5″ of light and fluff, on average. Specifically, official observations compiled by weather services, here are some specifics: Providence and nearby areas saw around 14 5 to 16.8 inches; West Warwick (15 inches); East Greenwich (12.1 to 12.3 inches); Westerly and North Kingston (11 to 13.5 inches); North Providence (18.4 inches); East Providence (12.1 inches); and Pawtucket (13.5 to 14 inches).
Snow Shoveling Can Be Hazardous to Your Health
With heavy snow accumulation comes the responsibility of clearing sidewalks. However, shoveling snow in extreme cold can be dangerous—and even deadly—if proper safeguards are not taken.
“Older adults, especially those with a history of heart disease or major risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight or obesity, or who currently smoke, should not be shoveling snow under any conditions,” Clark says.
Snow shoveling is a physically demanding activity that can place significant stress on the heart, particularly for individuals who are not accustomed to regular exercise. Numerous scientific studies over the years have documented the dangers of snow shoveling for people both with and without known heart disease.
“The risk is especially concerning for people with cardiovascular risk factors, including a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, current or former smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, as well as those who have previously had a heart attack or stroke,” Clark explains.
Clark points to a 2020 AHA scientific statement, “Exercise-Related Acute Cardiovascular Events and Potential Deleterious Adaptations Following Long-Term Exercise Training: Placing the Risks Into Perspective—An Update,” which identifies snow shoveling as a high-risk activity that places added strain on the heart, particularly among individuals who are not accustomed to regular physical activity.
“Research has found that the strain of heavy snow shoveling can be as demanding on the heart as a treadmill stress test,” Clark says. “Shoveling relies heavily on arm work—known as isometric or static exertion—which is more taxing on the heart than leg work. While lifting heavy shovelfuls of snow, people often unconsciously hold their breath, causing increases in heart rate and blood pressure,” she notes.
Combined with the effects of extreme cold, Clark warns, snow shoveling creates “a perfect storm” for a heart-related event. “The impact can be worse people who are the least fit,” she adds.
Clark cautions older adults against viewing snow shoveling as routine household work. “The movements are extremely demanding and can cause significant spikes in heart rate and blood pressure. Cold air also constricts blood vessels, forcing the heart to work harder under conditions that limit its ability to function efficiently.”
She emphasizes that warning signs—such as chest pain or pressure, lightheadedness, heart palpitations, or irregular heart rhythms—should never be ignored. “If symptoms occur, stop immediately,” Clark says. “Call 9-1-1 if symptoms do not subside shortly after stopping. If someone collapses while shoveling, call for help right away and begin Hands-Only CPR if the person is unresponsive and has no pulse.”
Tips to Reduce the Risk of Snow Shoveling
Clark recommends that individuals with known or suspected heart disease—or significant risk factors—ask someone else to handle snow removal whenever possible.
“If you must shovel, start slowly and pace yourself,” she advises. “Push or sweep the snow rather than lifting and throwing it, which requires less exertion. Cover your mouth and nose, dress in layers, and wear a hat and gloves.”
She also cautions against shoveling during windy conditions, noting that wind chills make temperatures feel colder and increase strain on the body.
When possible, Clark recommends using an automated snow blower instead of a shovel. “While caution is still necessary, research shows that using a snow blower doesn’t elevate heart rate as much as shoveling,” she says. “Snow blowing typically raises heart rate to about 120 beats per minute, compared to around 170 beats per minute during shoveling.”
Over 60 years ago, boredom at a family backyard gathering on Bainbridge Island in Washington State led Congressman Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—and their families—to invent a new game. Using an old badminton court, they improvised with table tennis paddles, a plastic wiffle ball, and a lowered badminton net. From these modest beginnings, pickleball was born, with rules blending elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.
Today, the sport is played by two or four players on indoor or outdoor courts. Competitors use smooth-faced paddles to hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball over a 34-inch-high net until one side fails to return the ball or commits a rule infraction.
According to Pickleheads, a digital hub for pickleball players, there are over 21,985 pickleball courts in 8,970 cities across the United States. In Rhode Island, there are 61 pickleball locations with a total of 246 courts. Of these, 40 locations—with 166 courts—are public and free to use. Rhode Island ranks 58th in the nation for the number of pickleball courts.
The Sports and Fitness Industry Association reports that , from 2021 to 2024, pickleball became the fastest-growing sport in the nation. Two years ago, CBS Sports reported that 36.5 million people nationwide had played pickleball at least once.
On August 8, designated National Pickleball Day—just before the launch of AARP’s national Pickleball Clinic Tour—the Washington, D.C.-based aging organization released a study exploring older adults’ awareness and participation in the sport. A free Clinic Tour event will take place at Pickleball Citi in Cranston on Wednesday, August 27.
The survey found that nine in ten (91%) adults age 50+ have at least heard of pickleball, and more than half (55%) are either familiar with it or have played at least once. About one in ten (13%) report they have played the game.
According to the survey, when asked which activities have gained the most popularity among people their age in the past two years, 40% of adults 50+ selected pickleball—more than double the second most popular choice, walking/jogging (18%). A third (33%) of older adults familiar with pickleball expressed interest in learning more from experienced players.
A Sport for Families, Friends, and Generations
One of the sport’s biggest attractions is its ability to bring families and generations together. Among 50+ adults familiar with the sport, 81% said pickleball is a game people of all ages can enjoy together. More than half (52%) cited spending time with family and friends as a key benefit. Of those who play, 56% reported playing with family members and 48% with friends.
Pickleball also helps older adults expand their social networks. The AARP study revealed that 71% of 50+ adults familiar with pickleball view it as a great way to meet new people. In fact, 20% of those who play said they have played with individuals they first met at the court.
Beyond fun and socialization, pickleball provides meaningful health benefits. Nearly eight in ten (78%) older adults familiar with the sport say it is a great way to stay physically fit, and nearly nine in ten (87%) consider exercise a major advantage of playing. Two-thirds (67%) also say the sport helps them stay mentally sharp.
Stress relief is another benefit, cited by 46% of respondents. And for many, the simple joy of play matters most: three in four (75%) said pickleball is fun.
“We know that pickleball is particularly popular among our Rhode Island members and the state’s 50 and older population,” said AARP Rhode Island Associate State Director for Community Outreach Darlene Reza Rossi. “It checks so many boxes on the list of activities that can allow people to live healthier lives as they age. Aside from the obvious physical benefits, learning a new skill is an essential element of brain health. And the social part the game provides is another brain-health benefit.
“So, AARP Rhode Island all in when it comes to introducing more Rhode Islanders to pickleball because it aligns with our mission of empowering people to choose how they live as they age and our healthy living series, that includes free, online RI Healthy Cooking, Tai Chi/Qigong, Everybody Dance! And Laughter Yoga.”
AARP Pickleball Clinic Coming to Rhode Island
On August 8, AARP launched its 2024 Pickleball Clinic Tour to 20 cities nationwide to promote active aging and multigenerational play.
For Rhode Islanders, AARP will host a free Pickleball Clinic at Pickleball Citi in Cranston on Wednesday, August 27, from 5 to 8 p.m. Participants must sign a General Liability Waiver.
The event will feature an Intro to Pickleball clinic and open play, led by licensed instructors in an inclusive, welcoming environment. Open play will follow a drop-in format, allowing players of all levels to practice in a real game setting. Instructors will help match players by skill level, ensuring both beginners and experienced players can enjoy the sport, meet new people, and stay active.
Registration is free and limited to the first 100 people. To register, visit: www.aarp.org/RIEvents..
In addition to learning the game, participants will also discover AARP’s “Six Pillars for Better Brain Health” and explore opportunities to connect with AARP Rhode Island programs in their community.
So grab a paddle, bring your family or friends, and join the fun—pickleball might just become your new favorite way to stay active, healthy, and socially connected.
Herb Weiss 