Happy Monday, everybody! Reader here, and I think it’s safe to say that winter is here to stay.
Last weekend, I made a quick trip home to the farm at Conquest, to visit my parents and throw my snow tires onto my car. I timed it pretty good, and got my winter wheels on just in time for the first huge blast of snow.
Maybe I got cocky, and tempted fate, though…
No sooner did I talk (brag?) about my readiness for winter, than we got slammed by another major snowstorm over the weekend!
Olivia and I were on location at Langenburg Ford Motors on Saturday morning, and luckily, we got back to Yorkton early in the afternoon, before the real snow hit.
They happen to be giving away prizes as well, entering in folks who come in and take a test drive for some great prizes, including a 2024 Ford Mustang, their first year of vehicle payments on the dealership, or a bright, shiny new snowblower!
Now, I’m fortunate, in that I live in an apartment, and don’t have to worry about clearing snow, other that what blows in around my car in the parking lot. That’s why a keep a handy, dandy little shovel in my truck, just in case the need arises.
However, after a little bit of shoveling, I get a bit stiff and sore, and remember I’m not as young as I used to be, and I need to limber up more, both before and after the job is done.
That got me thinking… what important safety tips should we keep in mind to stay healthy, when we have to grab the shovel or snowblower, and get to work clearing the sidewalks and driveways?
I put the question to our AI assistant, and here’s what it came up with:
1️⃣ Warm Up a Bit: Before you dive into clearing that driveway, take a few minutes to do some light stretches. Think of it as a gentle wake-up call for your muscles, preparing them for what’s ahead. (Thanks sound like me before any kind of strenuous activity. I really need to remember this during slowpitch season!)
2️⃣ Pick the Right Shovel: Not all shovels are created equal! Opt for an ergonomic design that’s easy on your back. It can make shoveling feel less like a chore and more like a simple, satisfying task. (Trust me, no matter how well the shovel is designed, pushing snow will ALWAYS feel like a chore!)
3️⃣ Easy Does It: When lifting the snow, remember to bend your knees, not your back. Let your legs do the heavy lifting while your back stays relaxed and stress-free. Slow and steady wins the race!
4️⃣ Chill Breaks: There’s no rush! Take breaks as needed to catch your breath and admire the winter scenery. Whether it’s a quick pause for a warm drink or just to stretch, your body will thank you.
5️⃣ Sip Some Water: Even though it’s chilly outside, staying hydrated is just as important as in the summer heat. Keep a bottle of water nearby and sip regularly to keep your energy levels up.
And I’ll add one more tip… If you have a slowblower, skidsteer, forklift or quad with a blade, let it do the work!
By following these simple steps, you can make snow shoveling a breeze this season. Embrace the winter wonderland without the worry of aches and pains!
