Most of the country feels like an ice box right now and millions of Americans are doing whatever they can to keep their homes warm... so why then are more and more people opening their windows? According to experts, people are doing what's known as "burping" their homes, and it's a method that's actually going viral on social media.
The idea is to open your windows for five to 10 minutes to let the stale indoor air out, and the fresh winter air in. It's based on a common practice in Germany called lüften. Experts say it has many health benefits. Spending so much time indoors and keeping the cold air out subjects us to trapped moisture, carbon dioxide from our own breathing, and volatile organic compounds from things like paint, cleaners, and air fresheners. Letting in outdoor air dilutes all of that, helping you feel more alert and even sleep better. They suggest burping your home after cooking, showering, sleeping, or hosting guests.
Speaking of the cold …
Too cold and too old to shovel … A huge winter storm is brewing and threatening to wreak havoc on a large swath of the country, and that means millions of Americans will be picking up a shovel — even though many probably should not. The physical strain on the heart from shoveling snow could be deadly, especially for people over a certain age — and it's not as old as you may think. Some doctors say people 65 and older should not be shoveling snow, while others point to 45 as the safest cut-off.
A study finds that about 85% of people over 50 have some amount of plaque buildup in their arteries and are at risk of coronary artery disease. But if you can't have someone else shovel for and you need to dig out, here are some helpful tips from the American Heart Association.
- Start gradually and pace yourself.
- Dress very warm. Cover your mouth and nose and wear a hat and gloves.
- Push or sweep the snow rather than lifting and throwing it.
- Be especially careful when the wind is blowing. Windchill increases the effects of the cold on your body.
- If possible, use a snow blower.