As the snow falls, doctors warn that shoveling your driveway can be hazardous to your health if you’re not careful. Muscle injuries, back pain, and even heart attacks increase in as little as an inch of snowfall.

"It's wet. It's definitely heavy," said Cynthia D’Mont of Greece.

It was the kind of snow that was difficult to move. D'Mont did everything she could to keep up.

"With this amount of snow I'm going to be out here a couple of times," D’Mont said.

She shoveled so her 62-year-old father wouldn’t have to.

"These storms are easy compared to what I used to get," said Bob D’Mont.

It may not be a blizzard, but it's the type of snowfall that catches people off-guard and keeps emergency rooms busy. Just 20 minutes of snow shoveling can be dangerous if you're not physically fit.

"This is when people use the muscles in their back that aren't accustomed to be being used and they strain, spasm, and cause injury," said Unity Health System Emergency Medicine Chair Dr. Bryan Jordan.

For those over the age of 45 this activity can even be fatal.

"The heart like any other muscle can be overtaxed. And when it's overtaxed it shuts down," Jordan said.

Jordan said the best advice is to take it easy. When the snow is this heavy it's good to simply move it out of the way rather than scoop it up. It's also a good idea to take your time.

"You don't want to have to finish the job immediately. Stop after 15 minutes and stretch your muscles, catch your breath," Jordan added.

If you develop any kind of chest pain or shortness of breath you should stop immediately. If the symptoms persist call 911.

After hours of shoveling, Cynthia D’Mont is weighing her options.

"Hire someone or recruit the kids," D’Mont said.