Avoid snow shoveling accidents this winter

With much of the U.S. getting its first snowfall of the year, people in many areas are getting the white stuff that don't normally see it.

Clearing the driveway is a rite of passage for many homeowners. According to WebMD.com, snow shoveling injuries send more than 11,000 adults and children to the hospital every year.

Common injuries
Not to sound like a medical disclaimer, but a number of injuries, and even death, can occur while shoveling. Many of the injuries, of course, involve slip and falls, but many are due to technique and the physical demands.

• Cuts and bruises
• Broken bones
• Lower back injuries, ranging from back spasms to much more serious herniated disks
• Heart-related issues, which accounted for all deaths
• Head injuries due to flying snow shovels, most victims are children

Why injuries occur
Believe it or not, shoveling snow is great exercise. You're using every muscle in your body from legs to arms to core to your heart. (Yes... it's cardio exercise, too!)

The problem is that people don't use the proper technique - or the proper tools - when shoveling. Most snow shovels are not long enough and not ergonomically designed for efficient use.

How to limit injuries
The cardinal rule when it comes to shoveling snow is to practice a bit of common sense.

• Stay in shape – People who are physically fit have less concern about injury.
• Stretch beforehand – Warm up the legs, back and shoulders.
• Take breaks – Don’t do it all at once. Shovel small areas and take an occasional break, especially if it is wet, heavy snow.
• Use proper technique – Use the shovel like a bulldozer, rather than a scoop. Use your legs rather than your back. Don’t rotate or twist your body.
• Use the right shovel – Ergonomically designed shovels with bent handles take the stress off the back.
• Wear layers – Keeping your muscles warm will help you avoid strain.
• Wear proper footwear - Wear snow boots with good traction to avoid slipping

New Year’s resolutions for homeowners

The end of the year is always a great time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one. Many people signify this fresh start with a New Year's resolution. If you're a homeowner, here are a few resolutions you may want to consider for your home.

Save energy

There are some simple ways to save energy (and a few bucks). Turning down your thermostat when you’re at work or sleeping is a great first step. A better option is to replace it with a programmable thermostat that will remember to do it for you.

Keep your home safe

Many people install new batteries in their smoke detectors on the day the time changes in the fall and spring. Did you forget? Make it a point to ensure that you have fresh batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Don't have a carbon monoxide detector? They are fairly inexpensive and as easy to install as a smoke alarm. While you're at it, check to make sure your fire extinguishers are in working order.

Help the environment

Whether your community requires it or not, recycling helps the environment and is everyone's responsibility. Save water by repairing dripping faucets, installing low-flow showerheads, and replacing old toilets with new water saving or dual-flush models. When buying new appliances or electronic equipment, be sure they carry the federal Energy Star seal for energy efficiency.

Save money

Home maintenance projects can help you prolong the life of your home and make things more efficient, and therefore, save you money in the long run. Changing the air filter on your central air unit every month or two helps you save energy and allows your system to run more efficiently. If you still have a standard water heater, draining the tank once a year removes any sediment buildup, which can make it last longer and work more efficiently.

What to do with holiday party leftovers

‘Tis the season and we are in full swing. This time of the year is hectic for many:  You may be finishing up end-of-the-year projects, shopping, taking vacation time, or planning to host a holiday party or two.

When hosting a party, there's always going to be leftover food and drink. Of course, you don't want to just throw everything out - what a waste of money!

If you don't want to live off of party food for the next week, or you don't want everything taking up valuable refrigerator space, here are some suggestions to save those leftovers so they won't go to waste.

Pro tip

Make sure you have plenty of storage containers and zip lock freezer baggies before the party. It makes cleaning up and storing easier.

Send some home with guests

Use zip lock bags and disposable containers to send leftovers home with guests.

Leftovers for quick meals

Think quiches, wraps, tacos, omelets, scrambled eggs with diced up turkey or ham in it. These can be for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Freeze in small portions for quicker defrost.

Share with a shut-in

If you have a neighbor, friend or relative who can't get out, plan on taking them a plate before or after the meal. It's a good idea to send them enough to make a couple of meals for themselves.

Some creative repurposing

Club Soda - Don't throw out flat club soda; instead, use it to hydrate houseplants. The phosphate in it is good for growth and root development.

  Wine- You can freeze cubes of leftover wine for later use in recipes. Red and white wine are especially good for Italian sauces.

Candy Canes - Use candy canes as drink stirrers, or crush them to make peppermint sugar, which can be used throughout the year.

 Bread - Make bread crumbs or seasoned croutons.

Cheese - Hard cheese can be grated and frozen. Soft cheese is great for making sauces and grilled cheese sandwiches. Cheese based soups and fondues are also a good option.

There’s no reason to let leftovers go to waste. Armed with some knowledge, a little creativity and plenty of storage containers, there’s no reason to throw out much.

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Safety tips for fireplaces

If you're in the market for a new home, no doubt you made the list of features that you want in your dream home. For many, a fireplace is one of those must haves.

Of course, there are several reasons to want a fireplace. From a practical standpoint, it is a cost-effective way to provide heat during the winter. It becomes a focal point for the gathering of friends and family, lending ambiance to the room it is in. At this time of year, it becomes a place for many homeowners to hang decorations during the holiday season.

There is, of course, a price to be paid for the warmth and memories. Every homeowner has to keep safety issues at top of mind when it comes to having a fireplace. You'll keep your fireplace safe and operating properly and safely if you keep these safety tips in mind:

Keep it clean

Depending upon how often you use your fireplace, it is recommended that chimneys be swept at least once a year. Find a certified chimney sweep to come out in the late fall or early winter to remove soot and debris.

Check for damage

In addition to cleaning, most chimney sweeps should inspect the chimney structure for cracks, loose bricks or missing mortar when they are on the roof. In addition, chimney liners should be checked for damage.

Cap the chimney

In order to keep debris, birds and small animals from entering the chimney, a cap is placed on the chimney. The cap also needs to be examined for damage when the sweep is there.

What you burn makes a difference

Hardwoods include dense woods such as oak, hickory, ash and some fruit woods. "Seasoned" implies that the wood has been split and stored to dry for at least six months. Green woods and soft woods produce a flammable by-product called creosote, which can build up in the chimney and become flammable.

Building it right

Small fires generate less smoke and less creosote build-up. Additionally, a fire that is too large or too hot can damage the chimney. Logs should be placed at the rear of the fireplace on a metal grate. Don't use flammable liquids to start the fire.

Use a spark guard

Even seasoned wood can crackle and pop. You can prevent embers from shooting out of the firebox with a mesh metal screen or glass fireplace doors.