Staying Active in Cold Weather COME OUT AND PLAY
Winter is almost here, and as the weather gets colder, many people use it as an excuse to stay inside and on the couch. But if you don’t want to wonder what happened to your fitness goals when spring comes around, now is the time to start preparing. Here’s what you need to know to comfortably enjoy outdoor exercise in low temperatures. First, there’s good news: Your chance of frostbite in 5 degree F weather is less than 5%. So, outdoor exercise is perfectly safe most days of the year. Just stay inside when there’s a particularly nasty wind chill and don’t exercise on icy surfaces. But while you probably won’t be hurt by outdoor winter exercise, there’s no denying it can be unpleasant if you aren’t prepared.
One school of thought suggests there’s no bad weather, only poorly chosen clothing. So, if you want to exercise outdoors in the winter, you must set yourself up for success with the proper gear. Dress in layers and put them on in the correct order. Opt for a moisture-wicking material as your bottom layer, then add a warm insulating layer, followed by a wind and water-resistant jacket on top. Remove items as you get warmer so you don’t trap sweat. Also, remember the wool socks, gloves, and hat. Another way to keep yourself comfortable during an outdoor workout is to warm up longer before beginning. Exercise in cold weather makes strains and sprains more likely, and a warmup will keep you safer. Plus, the additional movement
before heading outdoors will help the temperature change feel less jarring. You’ll want to protect your skin from the harsh air. One of the best ways to do that is by staying hydrated. Though it sounds obvious, many people feel less thirsty when exercising in the cold and don’t drink enough water. Also, moisturize regularly and protect your nostrils and lips from the wind with petroleum jelly or Carmex. Finally, don’t forget the sunscreen — if skiers can get a sunburn, so can you!
As we prepare for winter, cleaning your gutters in autumn before heavy amounts of snow is very important! After all, autumn leaves have fallen, which tend to collect in gutters along with sticks and other debris, leading to a nightmare! What can be done? Let’s ask the experts! Q: Why clean your gutters? Andrew: Over time, water from a clogged gutter causes mold and water damage to the roof, eves, and fascia, which is the board behind the gutters. If water is not channeled away from the house, it ends up next to the foundation and in the basement. The weight of trapped water threatens to bend and twist the gutter. Q: What does the gutter cleaning process look like? Andrew: We clean gutters with a handheld blower and rely upon hand tools and gloves. We guarantee to check all the downspouts and runoff chutes. For hard-to-reach areas, we utilize a boom truck. Fall Gutter Cleaning is $160–$250 for regular-sized homes, depending on style and size. For a free Gutter Cleaning estimate over the phone, text (860) 888-8472. ASK THE EXPERTS Fall Gutter Cleaning
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