Tips for a Healthy Winter Season

Winter Fitness and Health Tips

Brrrr! This weekend we not only got a lot of snow but it got cold out, very cold!!!! It is also the time of year where people are trying to start or restart healthy habits. Here are some ways to work on your health and fitness, even when the air outside is cold!

1. Walk around the inside of the mall. You will be in good company as many people walk the mall in the mornings and throughout the day. Stay to the perimeter and make a few laps! 

2. Prepare some freezer meals that can just be placed in the crock-pot on those mornings when you know you will be limited for time at dinner. Chili, lasagna, and soup all make fantastic crock-pot meals! 

3. Drink extra water, it helps with circulation and keeps blood flowing. This will help you stay warmer! 

4. Embrace the snow and cold and go sledding, skiing, or snowboarding! There are also great snowshoe trails and cross-country ski paths. Try one or try them all! 

5. Shovel your walkways and your neighbor's. You will gain a friend and burn some extra calories, they will be very appreciative! 

6. Park further away when going to a store. It is usually easier to get your car in and out, you can briskly walk to get your heart rate up, and you won't have to deal with as much traffic and as many pedestrians as you try to leave! 

7. Build a snow fort with the kids or grand kids! Make the blocks, pack them together, have hours of fun! 

8. Curl up with a warm glass of tea. You will be getting in some of your water for the day and keeping yourself warm! Try adding, honey, a little milk, a small amount of sugar, cinnanmon, or just drink it as is! 

 

Winter Driving Tips

Winter Driving Tips from your neighbors at Gandrud Auto Group.

What’s between you and the winter roads?

Just four pieces of rubber; the tires!  Inspect the tires on your vehicle for wear, proper inflation, and tread depth. 

Check the wear patterns on each tire as uneven wear can be an indication of suspension or alignment problems that need to be addressed.  Tire thread depth can be checked by placing a quarter upside down in the grooves. Try this measurement at various locations through the center, outside and inside grooves of tread.  If the top of George’s head is visible at any point on the tire, it’s time to replace the tires.

Tire pressure should be checked monthly using a quality gauge.  The pressure recommendations can be found in the vehicle owner’s manual and on a panel inside the driver’s door frame.  The vehicle manufacturer recommendations are based on the vehicle design, weight and tire design.  Do not use the pressure recommended on the tire as it is a general recommendation for the tire only.

A flat tire seldom occurs when it’s convenient. If you do need to pull over to the side of the road to change a flat tire, your knees with thank you for the comfort of a carpet sample or old rug to kneel on.  It will store easily in the trunk or behind a seat ready for use.

Brought to you by our friends at Gandrud Auto Group