Locally Owned, Nationally Known                                        January 2011

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Snow Shoveling Tips

We can still get more snow this winter season and the opportunity for many people to visit their doctors complaining of back pain. Often, they blame the last snowfall. After shoveling the sidewalk or driveway, their backs fell stiff and achy. In some cases, people have pain the moment they pick up a shovel. Shoveling snow can cause anything from muscle stain to slipped discs and even serious bone fractures.

But if you follow these simple tips, you can help prevent low back pain related to snow shoveling:

•Check with your doctor. Because this activity places high stress on the heart, you should always speak with your doctor before shoveling. If you have a medical condition or do not exercise regularly, consider hiring someone to remove the snow.
•Dress appropriately. Light, layered, water-repellent clothing provides both ventilation and insulation. It is also important to wear a hat, mittens or gloves and thick, warm socks. Avoid falls by wearing shoes or boots that have slip-resistant soles.
•Choose a proper shovel. Consider two types of snow shovels. One lifts loads of snow. The other - with a wide, curved blade - is used as a "plow." Make sure both types of shovels have curved handles with plastic, lightweight blades. The curved handle helps you keep your back straight when lifting the snow-filled blade off the ground - or when you push snow aside with the plowing shovel. Make sure the handle of your snow shovel reaches your chest to avoid hunching over while “plowing” or scooping up snow.
•Try to clear snow early and often. Begin shoveling when a light covering of snow is on the ground to avoid dealing with packed, heavy snow.
•Be sure you can see where you are shoveling. Do not let a hat or scarf block your vision. And make sure the area is well lit so you can safely spot icy patches and uneven surfaces.

LOWER YOUR HEATING BILLS

Air leakage through holes, gaps, and cracks is the single biggest cause of home heating and cooling loss. It actually accounts for 30 to 50 percent of the energy used in most homes. If you took all the gaps and cracks around window and door frames, electrical outlets, plumbing lines, under the siding, in the basement, and in many other places, they'd add up to a space the size of a standard window. So essentially, you're heating and cooling your house year-round with a window open. We suggest closing the window. Use GREAT STUFF™ to fill in those gaps and cracks, then sit back and start counting the money you're saving.

Here is a link to a "How To Video" that will help you fix those heating leaks.    http://bit.ly/dNxhQf