Category Archives: From the Magazine
Shovel Snow Safely
By Dennis Milenov
We’ve been lucky so far this year as snow accumulation has been minimal, sparing our backs in the process. But, there is still more winter to come and likely more snow that will need shovelling!
Keep in mind that shovelling snow can require a strenuous effort, especially when moving wet and heavy snow. Loading a shovel (more than 1kg) with about 5kg of snow (which is about average), every five seconds and you are moving a load of over 70kg in one minute. Repeat for 15 minutes and you have shoveled 1000kg of snow!
Each year we see many patients in our chiropractic office with low back complaints related to snow shovelling. Here are some tips to consider when shovelling that can minimize the risk of a back injury:
- Don’t let the snow pile up: Frequent shovelling will allow you to move smaller amounts of snow. Clear snow early and often and work at a steady pace that is comfortable for you.
- Warm up: Just like any other exercise, take the time to warm up first. A brisk walk for 10 minutes or some dynamic stretches, can increase the heart rate to prepare you for activity.
- Pick the right shovel: Use a lightweight pusher-type shovel. If you are using a metal shovel, spray it with Teflon first so the snow won’t stick to it.
- Push don’t throw: Whenever possible, push the snow to the side rather than lifting and throwing it. That way you avoid lifting heavy shovelfuls of snow and sudden twisting or turning movements that are stressful on the spine and muscles of the low back. Do NOT throw snow over your shoulder or to the side!
- Bend your knees: If you find you have to lift a shovelful of snow, use your knees, hips and leg muscles while keeping your back straight. Take a light load that you can lift easily and turn your feet in the direction you’re lifting. Keep the load close to your body.
- Take a break: Shovelling can be hard work! Take a break if you feel tired or short of breath. Stop your activity immediately if you experience sudden or prolonged pain in any joint or muscle. If you have chest pain that is severe, seek medical attention immediately.
- Avoid slips and falls: A fall could leave you with more than just a sore back! Watch for ice patches and uneven surfaces and make sure you wear shoes or boots with slip resistant soles.
Grammie’s Jammies
By Carly Foster
My mother-in-law (my kids’ Grammie) doesn’t bake very often, but when she does, it’s often these delicious jam sandwich cookies. They taste so good dunked in tea that I usually hide at least half of them in a secret part of the freezer away from the rest of my family. The cookies are crispy when they’re cooked, but once you add the jam in the middle, they’re soft and chewy – and spreading the jam is a great kid activity. I think they’d be a delightful treat for a special someone on Valentine’s or Family Day.
Ingredients
3/4 c butter, softened
1 c lightly packed brown sugar
1/2 c granulated sugar
1 egg
2 tbsp water
2 tsp vanilla
2/3 c all purpose flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
3 c quick cooking oatmeal
1 1/2 c raspberry jam*
Directions
Preheat oven to 350F. Cream butter, sugars, egg, water and vanilla together until light and fluffy. Combine flour, baking soda and cinnamon. Add to creamed mixture, beating gently until blended. Stir in oats.
Drop dough by small spoonfuls onto greased baking sheets. Bake 10-13 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. Cool completely.
Spread jam on flat side of half the cookies. Put another cookie on top to form a sandwich.
Makes approximately 32 sandwich cookies. They freeze great!
*Substitute your favourite flavour jam if desired.
Jessica Phoenix Wins Equestrian of the Year
Uxbridge native Jessica Phoenix was named Equestrian of the Year at the 2012 Equine Canada Annual Awards Gala in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
The horse woman’s success started at an early age. At just 13, she won a division in the Ontario Horse Trials Training Championship and has won an award every subsequent year.
The first winner of the Equine Canada Equestrian of the Year Award was Jacklyn Brooks in 1996.
To read more about Jessica Phoenix, take a look at our article published in the October 2011 issue of the Uxbridge Town Talk.
Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Thanks to Dianne Stott, an active fan on our Uxbridge Town Talk Facebook page, for sending in this delicious recipe for muffins! Let us know if you make them and how they turn out.
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or use 1/2 oil and 1/2 apple sauce to cut down on fat. You can also use butter)
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- 3 eggs
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- pinch nutmeg
- 1/2 cup milk (or substitute buttermilk, sour cream, plain yogurt – whatever you have on hand)
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Line muffin tins with paper liners.
- Recipe can be made either using a hand mixer, stand mixer, or by hand.
- In a large bowl mix together the sugars, oil (or your substitution); mix until light and fluffy. Mix in pumpkin puree until thoroughly combined. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is thoroughly combined before adding the next.
- In a medium bowl sift together dry ingredients (flour through to spices. Add more spice if you like a stronger flavour).
- Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Finally, add the milk (or your substitute) and gently stir in until all the milk is incorporated into the mixture.
- Divide the mixture evenly in your prepared muffin tins.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes.
- Let cool.
- These make great treats to pack in a lunch.
- For extra decadence you can add your favourite cream cheese icing.
Local Products: Chocolate Delight
By Rachel Pavely
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with our favourite chocolate products!
