Nor’easter heading this way

How to stay safe and not get hurt by the new snow variant

The title of this post is just to show an example of how our media buddies like/need to drum up some more fear. For the past two years we call that #FearMongering.

We do have a snowstorm on the way. That’s not uncommon in New Jersey in January. Winter is cold and it can snow. That’s not exactly a stretch.

But fear sells media advertising so let's have some fun and guess whether we get:

A: a dusting of snow

B: 1-5 inches

C: 6-12 inches

D: a foot or more

Heavy snow can be a downer but some actually frolic in the cold and snow and like to Photo bomb pics.

Does anyone remember who the weather forecaster was who hyped up the “Storm of the Century” a decade or more ago? Everyone prepared and shacked up in their homes and I think we got at least a few flurries out of that storm.

But what does any of this have to do with Common Sense Health and Wellness?

Well, I have to thank Mike who on Thursday asked if it was OK if he shoveled snow. It was more of a medical question but somehow I think he enjoys shoveling snow.

For those of you who ENJOY shoveling snow is it :

A: the exercise?

B: the outdoor activity?

C: gets you out of the house?

D: you are OCD and need everything on your property just right?

E: you earn $$$ shoveling snow?

F: the hot cocoa you reward yourself with when the shoveling is completed ?

G: Most of the above?

Shoveling actually is great exercise but it can be pretty strenuous, especially if it’s wet icy snow. Hopefully whatever we get is the soft powdery variety.

Either way here are some common sense health and wellness tips if you decide to shovel snow.

1- Pace yourself

2- Hydrate yourself very well

3- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare and a hat/hoodie/gloves for protection from the elements.

4- Wear proper clothing in layers to protect your core from the cold

5- Use a proper shovel that is light in weight but does the job well.

6- If able PUSH the snow as opposed to lifting it.

7- Don’t twist your core or back when shoveling. This is how most people injure their backs.

8- Bend your knees not your back

9- Listen to your body and take breaks when needed

10- If you have small pets don’t forget to shovel them a path to their “poop” spot in your yard.

11- If you have children old enough to shovel, put them to work. Isn’t that what children are for???

12- You haven’t failed if you pay someone to shovel for you. Hard work deserves a reward.

13- If you are in good shape and have elderly neighbors, pay it forward and shovel their property out.

14- While a nice hot cocoa sounds great after shoveling, if you are low carb…….

15- Save some areas to make Snow Angels.

16- Wait until the wind has reduced and it's safer to be outside.

17- Try not to curse the truck plowing your street that just moved two feet of snow right in front of your driveway or parked car that you had just plowed out yourself.

18- Move to a warmer State so you can sell your snow shovel and lie by the pool while us Nor’easters freeze our …….

19- Please check on your senior or special needs neighbors to make sure they are ok.

Let me know if I missed any tips for staying safe while shoveling snow in the comments below.