Warming Up This Winter

When most people think of staying warm during the winter, they think of putting on more layers of clothing, turning up the heater, starting a fire in the fireplace, or cuddling underneath blankets. We tend to forget that activity can also warm our bodies up.

When my twin girls were younger, they would put on sweaters and wrap up in blankets whenever they were cold while doing their homework. I suggested every time they felt a little cold to get up and do a set of squats. By the end of the day, they would work in quite a bit of exercise and help themselves stay warm through activity.

Try finding exercise that you enjoy. You can walk around the house for a few minutes, maybe even picking up some clutter as you go, or you can do your home exercises from your doctor or physical therapist. Even stretching can help you warm up. Just remember to have proper form with whatever exercise you choose to keep yourself from injury.

Winter Weather Work

Winter weather will be here soon, so we need to be prepared for snow. Shoveling snow can be a strenuous activity and could cause some serious injuries if done incorrectly. Here are a few tips to help survive the winter snow moving:

• Find a good shovel with a curved handle to decrease bending in your back. A small, lightweight blade helps to minimize the weight.
• Warm up first by marching in place or performing gentle stretches.
• Use ergonomic techniques by lifting with your legs, by not twisting the back, and by keeping the weight close to your body. Also keep both feet on the ground to help minimize your chance of slipping and falling.
• Pace yourself by taking a few minutes of rest for every 10-15 minutes of work or when you feel fatigued.
• If you have access to a snow blower or plow, use it. Or hire it done!

Following these guidelines can reduce your risk of injury during the winter season.