ST. JOSEPH COUNTY — At least two deaths related to snow removal have been reported following this weekend’s snowstorm in Michiana.

A man in Cassopolis died of a heart attack Friday after coming in from shoveling show, said Dr. Larry Wile, medical examiner for Cass County. In another weather-related death, a man died after he was moving equipment in Cass County.

Berrien County is looking into whether a death there is related to snow-removal, said Medical Examiner Dr. Frederick Johansen.

Both doctors are urging people to be especially careful while shoveling.

“You know, they don’t choose to exercise on a regular basis, but their driveway gets dumped on,” Dr. Wile said. “So they pick up a shovel and move hundreds of pounds of snow after doing nothing physical for several months and that can put a big strain on the heart.”

To get your help in better shape, Dr. Wile recommends stretching your muscles at least once a day and going for walks.

No deaths related to snow removal have been reported in Elkhart or St. Joseph counties.

Source: WNDU