Ahh, it’s almost time to tackle the fall to-do list. Have you made yours yet? Some lists are as simple as washing a few windows, whereas others might entail raking the yard, bagging leaves, leaves, and more leaves (the week after, more again).
As you prepare for your seasonal list, have you considered who can help? Do you need help? Are you SURE you don’t need help?
Using step ladders, hoisting heavy bags, and treating the blisters that always seem to come from holding a rake is often part of that to-do list, whether we intend them to be or not. When you make your list, consider having some first-aid relief on hand to care for what may come from seasonal chores. While you’re at it, have you made your annual check-ups to be sure you’re in tip-top shape to do everything you need to before the snowflakes fly?
Here are some helpful ideas to remember all the chores in and around your home and a few additional tips to stay healthy this winter:
Outside:
- Be sure to have heating sources prepared (wood stacked conveniently or fuel refilled)
- Turn off outdoor faucets
- Be sure hoses are drained and tucked away neatly
- Prepare your mowers, blowers, and weed whips for freezing weather
- Rake or mulch the leaves in your yard
- Clean your windows so you can enjoy the winter scenes
- Clear out gutters
- Cover the air conditioner
- Deep-clean dryer vents
- Inspect any electrical cords you may have to ensure they’re safe for use & not frayed
- Install storm windows & doors
- Clean your vehicle & put a winter emergency kit in the trunk
Inside:
- Clean the fridge and freezer
- Change the furnace filter
- Change your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries
- Be sure your fire extinguishers are easy to access and not expired
- Clean your ducts/vents
- Find & clean your winter gear (hats, gloves, boots, etc.)
- Locate your holiday decorations so they’re ready
- Stock up on first-aid items and cold/flu relief remedies
While preparing your home inside and out is great, consider a shopping trip while the weather is nice. Some items may be bulky and inconvenient to lug around in shopping carts once the snow and slush arrive:
- Salt for your water softener
- Batteries
- Snowmelt
- Cleaning supplies
- Canned goods/bottled water
- Paper products
Stay Healthy This Winter By:
- Staying active; you lose it if you don’t use it!
- Eating healthy
- Visiting friends and family often
- Attending preventative medical appointments
- Staying ahead of medication refills/taking medications as prescribed
Did you know that outpatient therapy can be done BEFORE you have an injury? Yes, it’s true! If you’re having near misses, losing your balance, or feeling unsteady, outpatient therapy can help you regain strength and abilities. Therapies can also help you move and do tasks in a way that reduces your pain.
The best way to stay strong for the future is to keep moving. If moving is starting to be difficult or you’re having falls you are afraid to admit to your family, call CaringEdge. We can talk through what is needed to be approved for outpatient therapy. Doing therapy before you lose abilities entirely can do wonders for your future, and it can help you stay strong over the winter so you’re ready to plant your flowers in the spring!
Reach out to us at info@caringedge.com or by calling 877-907-8684.
