Winter and the common cold seem to go hand-in-hand. While this pesky virus results in an unpleasant time, you can be relieved to know it usually goes away in a few days. There are lots of other, worse problems associated with the cold weather to worry about.
Getting Stuck In Snow
It happens every winter; that dreaded moment when you can feel the wheels turning but the car is not moving. Yes, you’ve gotten stuck in the snow. Or maybe the car has even gotten trapped up on a big chunk of ice. This worry can leave you stranded for hours while trying to figure out how to get free. You may even end up calling for a tow truck. One solution to escape quickly is to keep a small snow shovel and a bag of fresh kitty litter in your trunk. You can shovel the snow away from the tires and spread the clay pebbles to help give the car wheels something to catch hold of when turning. It may also be good to have some thick cardboard, or slats of wood that can be wedged under the wheels to give traction.
Dealing With Broken Pipes
If you live in a very cold area, one major concern is the pipes bursting. If water continues to run through your pipes on a regular basis. It won’t freeze up. Nights that dip into negative numbers or when you are out of town can mean trouble. Keep your exposed pipes from bursting by wrapping them in insulation before winter hits. You can also run a pencil-thin stream of water from the faucets during the coldest nights to ensure that water keeps moving.
Bugs Coming Inside
When the weather turns cold, the bugs try to find shelter inside your home. You may notice it in early fall. As soon as the frost starts hitting, insects, such as spiders, fleas, and even bedbugs try to head inside. Before it starts to get chilly, you can apply an invisible wall of insecticide around all windows and doors. Also, avoid keeping any windows or doors open in the fall and seal up cracks where bugs can get in. If you have major problems, consider giving a professional exterminator, like Craig & Sons Termite & Pest Control, Inc, a call.
The Winter Blues
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that affects millions of people. It’s caused by the changing of the seasons and shorter daylight hours that lead to altered levels of serotonin and melatonin. Speaking with your doctor about potential treatment options is a good idea. At home, you can try using a light box which mimics natural daylight to counter fall-onset SAD. Other options include, spending time outside within two hours of waking and regular exercise to help alleviate anxiety and stress. It may seem like a small problem, but SAD can affect your job performance, personal relationships, and your overall happiness. Make sure you seek help.
Winter is a wonderful time of year, but it comes with its own set of worries. If you keep these things in mind, and bundle up to combat the cold, you can enjoy the season in comfort and joy!
