How to Handle Winter Chores Painlessly
By Brandi Swieter
Many outdoor chores begin in the winter. From shoveling snow in the driveway to clearing icicles from the rooftop, people in snowy states have to tackle tasks in the cold. These activities can sometimes lead to pain if people aren't careful. It's possible to handle winter chores painlessly with the right precautions taken.
Wear Appropriate Attire
It isn't ideal to head outside in regular clothes when the weather is frightful. Snowy days mean wearing a jacket, hat, and gloves, even when tackling outdoor activities. Staying warm is a huge help in keeping the body free from pain. The cold can affect the bones and joints and make it difficult to move, let alone work on a strenuous task. Sturdy shoes are also necessary. A fashionable pair of boots should not be worn when shoveling. A pair with good traction is ideal because it will grip against the icy pavement better and prevent falls.
Drink Water
Most people wouldn't think to stop and take a drink of water when shoveling. The truth is, though, water is key in maintaining a pain-free existence. Individuals responsible for outdoor work should keep a bottle of water nearby that they can drink from when needed. The water break will also help to prevent muscle fatigue.
Avoid Eating, Drinking, or Smoking Beforehand
The cold weather already works to restrict blood flow. Add in the fact that a person smoked, ate unhealthy foods, or drank alcohol or caffeine and that flow will be even further restricted. This can cause severe distress to the body when working in the cold. Stimulants, such as caffeine, can even lead to an increased heart rate. This is one reason why it is common for people to suffer from heart attacks in the winter. An unhealthy mix of foods and drinks paired with strenuous activity and the cold is a terrible combination for the heart. Avoiding these things prior to heading outside and getting chores done will help prevent this possibility.
Seek Chiropractic Care Throughout the Winter Season
Getting regular chiropractic care can do a lot of good for the back and body. It will keep it free from joint restrictions and ensure the immune system is functioning at optimal health. This can help people remain pain-free and get any physical work done easier. Outdoor chores are a big task that need to be repeated often during the winter months. Seeing a chiropractor often throughout this season is a huge relief.
Although Missouri isn't one of the snowiest states in the country, it does see snowfall throughout the winter months. With an average of 12 inches of snow per year, and more depending on the severity of storms, it's important for people in this state and other snowy locations to learn how to handle their winter chores. Pain-free is the goal.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Arnold, Mo.