Shoveling snow is not just a chore - it's strenous exercise, so make sure you protect your back.
Dr Scott Boden, an orthopedic surgeon, at the Emory Spine Center has some seasonal advice for those who need to shovel snow from around their house. It's rigorous aerobic exercise and you should approach it as you would a session in the gym.

First, warm up - like a golfer, stretch out your legs, arms, back and shoulders to avoid injury. When you start the job, take care with your technique - shovel close to the body, pushing the snow in front of you and never throwing it over your shoulder. A twisted spine is far more prone to sudden injury. Snow is heavy, especially when it's been lying for a while, so move it in small shovelfuls. And make sure you can see what you're doing - don't have your view obscured with a scarf. And, of course, you'll need slip-proof soles on your shoes. If you have any doubts about your fitness to shovel snow, get someone else to do it for you (you can always trade another chore with them) and find another way of getting some exercise.