Ring Wants Your Help to Find Lost Dogs—But Is the Privacy Trade-Off Worth It?

The 2026 Super Bowl saw a lot of ads for companies touting new AI features, and the Ring AI ad just might be the creepiest of them all. The home security company wants you to opt into “Search Party,” their newest feature. But by doing so, you’re ceding control over your cameras and risking significant privacy loss.

What Is “Search Party”?

Ring’s ad bills “Search Party” as the newest and most efficient way to find missing pets. According to the ad, if your dog goes missing, you can upload a picture of it to the app, ask it to start a “search party,” and it will automatically activate your neighbors’ cameras (the ones who have opted into the Search Party feature, that is). Using AI, the program will scan the footage and look for your pet on the feeds.

Is “Search Party” Better than Alternatives?

While the idea of having your neighbors’ cameras scanning for your missing pet may sound helpful, the ad itself doesn’t offer particularly promising numbers. Despite opening with the statistic that “every year, 10 million [pets] go missing,” Ring says that “since launch, more than a dog a day has been reunited with their family.”

If you run the math on that (I’ll be generous and interpret “more than one a day” as 3 dogs a day), 3 dogs times 365 days in a year, divided by that 10 million missing number, gives us 0.0001095. Which means Ring’s new feature isn’t even close to finding even 1% of missing dogs. For “Search Party” to find just 1% of the 10 million missing dogs per year, it would have to find 274 a day, every single day. Surely missing posters, microchips, and asking your neighbors for help are at least as effective (if not more, considering anyone passing by can see your missing dog poster, not just those with Ring cameras).

Additionally, there’s no guarantee that the Ring AI feature highlighted in the ad is accurate. We’ve seen gen AI mess up all kinds of details in images, and the ad doesn’t explain how it’s AI can differentiate between your golden lab and your neighbor’s. You might get lucky if your dog has unique markings, but many breeds of dog with a solid coat can look quite similar from afar.

Why This Technology Could Be Dangerous

In addition to being ineffective, this technology is more insidious than it may seem at first. When you can turn on your entire neighborhood’s cameras with just a couple of clicks of a button, and can do so without asking your neighbors’ permission first, you might start to wonder just how much privacy any of us really has. If it’s this easy to look for a missing dog, it’s probably very easy to use this technology for more nefarious purposes under the guise of safety. All of a sudden, stalkers and abusers have tech that can help them find and hurt their victims much more easily.

Technology like this also feeds into a very negative mentality around the people in your neighborhood. Most of us are familiar with the old adage, “When all you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.” When you set up an extensive surveillance network like this, it’s very easy to slip into the mindset that anyone you don’t immediately recognize is a bad guy looking for an opening. Instead of getting to know your neighbors and looking out for each other the old-fashioned way, you’re almost encouraged to isolate and let the cameras do all that for you. Constant surveillance does not foster community.

What Are My Alternatives?

There are plenty of better ways to find your missing pet than relying on Ring’s AI-enhanced “search party” feature. To start, make sure your furry friends are micro-chipped and that you’ve updated the information. If they get scooped up by the local shelter, you’ll get a call.

Second, get to know your neighbors. Being part of a true community means you’ll have plenty of people ready to help look for your missing pet. They may even recognize your pet before you have a chance to ask for help. And if your critters know your neighbors, they’ll be more likely to let the neighbors catch them and bring them home.

Work on training your pets and, where possible, familiarize them with the neighborhood. Your cats should stay indoors as much as possible, for their own safety and the safety of the local ecosystem. Your dogs should be good about obeying your recall commands, and if they know the neighborhood they’re more likely to be able to find their way home on their own if they do get out.

You can even use some of the technology you already own. Many people clip AirTags to their pets’ collars so that if the critters do get you, you can see their live location and find them immediately.

In a time where AI companies are trying to sell you a product that will make decisions for you, create for you, and even have human interactions for you, it’s important to remember that these are the kinds of things that make us human. Just because you had to watch the Ring “Search Party” with AI ad doesn’t mean you have to opt into this service.

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What To Do If You Find Asbestos Under Your Tile

Asbestos was a common material in the homebuilding industry in North America right up until the latter part of the 20th century. Prized for its fire resistance, lack of electrical conductivity, and chemical reactivity, it was a component of many products, including insulation, roofing felt and, yes, tiles and tile adhesives.

Manufacturers no longer use asbestos in building products (it was banned in 1989), but landscaper/builder Tom Polkinghorne warns that it could be present in any house built before 1990, and specifically in floor tiles. Here’s what that means to you as a homeowner.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a class of fibrous silicate minerals that occur naturally in metamorphic rock in mountainous regions of North America, Russia, China, Brazil, and several other countries. The size and characteristics of the fibers vary, but all types of asbestos have similar fire- and corrosion-resistant properties, and they are all health hazards.

What does asbestos look like?

This depends on the type. Two classes of asbestos: Serpentine and Amphibole. Within them are six distinct varieties.

The Serpentine class includes a single variety: Chrysotile, or white asbestos. This is the most common type overall, accounting for about 95 percent of industrial use. It features long, curly hair-like fibers that can be woven into fabric, used as insulation or incorporated into building materials. It looks like cotton.

The Amphibole class includes five varieties: crocidolite, tremolite, amosite, anthophyllite and actinolite. The color can be brown, blue or off-white, and all feature needle-like fibers that form a clumpy, fuzzy mass. In the past, manufacturers commonly added one or more of these varieties to paint, cement, drywall, tiles and other building materials.

• Did You Know? During the early 1950s, before the dangers of inhaling asbestos were widely understood, crocidolite, the most dangerous type of asbestos, was an ingredient in Kent Micronite cigarette filters.

Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?

When asbestos fibers become airborne and are inhaled, they lodge in the lungs. Because they don’t deteriorate, they accumulate and cause progressive irritation that can develop into inflammation, scarring and serious diseases like lung, laryngeal and ovarian cancer, and mesothelioma. The Mesothelioma Center reports that 6,000 people die every year due to asbestos-related lung cancer.

Is asbestos still used?

The FDA enacted a total ban on asbestos products in 1989, but the ban was overturned by the federal courts. However, a prohibition against new uses of asbestos in building materials survived the court challenge, so since that time, no building materials sold in the U.S., including floor tiles, felt paper and adhesives, contain asbestos. The auto industry is the main user of asbestos in the U.S. It’s a common component of brake linings and gaskets.

If you live in a house built after 1989, you probably don’t need to worry about asbestos in your floor tiles. Keep in mind, however, that there is no worldwide ban on asbestos use, so it’s still possible for some imported materials to contain it.

How To Tell If There’s Asbestos Under My Tile

“If your house was built, or last had flooring fitted, before the late 90s, then I’d treat it as suspect,” warns Polkinghorne. “Asbestos could be in the adhesive, the paper backing, leveling compounds or in vinyl floor tiles.”

Nine-by-nine-inch vinyl or asphalt tiles are the ones most likely to contain asbestos, especially if they were installed before 1989. The black rubber mastic used to hold them to the floor is also suspect.

The only way to know for sure if there’s asbestos in your home is to do a lab test.

Do I Need To Worry If There’s Asbestos Under My Tile?

“If you think there’s a chance that asbestos is in your home, it is absolutely critical that you do not disturb it,” warns injury attorney Stephen M. Wagner. “Asbestos requires professional removal, and trying to do it yourself puts your health at serious risk while creating a major opportunity for your own legal liability, since disturbing it can impact others.”

If you suspect your tiles contain asbestos, and they are in good shape, it’s best to leave them as they are. If you sell the home, most states require you to disclose any environmental hazards, and asbestos-containing tiles would be one of the hazards that you would have to disclose, says Wagner.

Tips for Replacing Tile If There’s Asbestos Under It

Thinking about removing asbestos tiles yourself? Don’t. It’s a job you legally must hire a licensed pro to do. Fortunately, there’s an easier way to deal with them (assuming they aren’t cracking or fraying). Leave them in place and cover them with new flooring. That’s the strategy an abatement pro would most often recommend, says Polkinghorn, because it encapsulates the asbestos and prevents it from becoming airborne.

About the Experts

• Tom Polkinghorne is the director of Creations Building & Landscaping, a UK-based firm that delivers driveways, paving, brickwork and full garden makeovers.
• Stephen M. Wagner is the founder of Wagner Reese, LLP, a firm dedicated to representing injury victims throughout Indiana and nationwide.

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Domestic Disasters: If Your Pipes Start Leaking Pink Slime, Here’s What It Means

Welcome to Domestic Disasters, where we take a look at some of your worst mess-ups and grossest finds. We take them to the experts to find out how big of a problem they are and how expensive they are to fix.

Nicole and Michael live in Tampa, Florida, a famously hot and humid city. The home is their first experience as homeowners, and they had no idea just how much there was to learn about all the nuances of homeownership until they were thrown into the middle of a mysterious issue with their AC.

One summer day, Nicole and Michael’s AC went on the fritz. One minute, it was working fine; the next moment, that humid Florida heat was making itself known. There wasn’t any air coming out of the system at all, just frustrating silence. After checking all the central points of their system, they went outside to inspect the AC drainpipe and were shocked by what they found. Bubbling up out of the pipe was what Nicole described as a “disgusting pink goo that looked like snot.” A quick Reddit search reveals the situation is not uncommon.

What is this pink goo leaking out of my upstairs neighbor’s AC drain? It is also leaking into my roommate’s carpet on the other side of the wall.
by u/Slunchi in whatisthisthing

What They Tried

Nicole had never seen anything like this “pink slimy-sludge” before.  She and Michael first suspected it might be a bacterial growth caused by mold buildup, and neither had any clue that it was directly connected to why the AC shut off.

Nicole discovered, through a quick Google search, that her central HVAC unit apparently had an emergency shutoff valve switch. If the AC drain pan fills, the switch trips and shuts off the whole system to prevent overflow and flooding. The pink sludge had clogged the drain, triggering the AC shutoff. Nicole reckons that without that valve, she never would have noticed the problem, and it would have gotten far worse, probably including water damage to her ceilings.

This problem is pretty gross, and it’s not the kind of thing any homeowner wants to deal with. But “Michael and I are a team,” Nicole says, so they set to work to fix it together. They started by unclogging the outdoor AC drain by flushing it out with their garden hose. Once the buildup was cleared, Michael flushed the other end of the drain with vinegar. And that was that; the AC started working again. Because this fixed the problem, the couple was able to fix the whole issue on their own, quickly, for practically no money at all. But did they fix it the right way?

A Pro Weighs In

We spoke to Josh Mitchell, an HVAC technician with Air Conditioner Lab, to weigh in on Nicole and Michael’s pink sludge. What is it? What caused it? And did they get rid of it in the best way possible?

Mitchell explains that the pink “sludgy slime” Nicole and Michael experienced was “almost certainly bacterial biofilm buildup in the condensate drain line.”

In hot, humid climates, AC systems both cool spaces and remove much of the moisture from the air. “That moisture mixes with dust and organic debris inside the drain line. Over time, bacteria grow and form a pink or orange slime,” says Mitchell.

For anyone who might experience this calamity, be reassured: “This buildup doesn’t usually pose a direct health risk,” Mitchell says. But he cautions that “it is very effective at clogging drain lines and triggering system shutdowns.” That’s what happened to Nicole and Michael.

The slime is frustrating and gross, but on its own, not a major problem. “The real danger comes from what happens next,” Mitchell warns. “When the drain line blocks, water backs up into the overflow pan. Most modern systems have a float switch that shuts the unit off to prevent flooding, which explains why the AC stopped suddenly.” What you really need to worry about is the integrity of those safety measures. “If that safety fails or is bypassed,” he says, “water can spill into ceilings, walls, insulation, or flooring. That is where repair costs rise fast.”

 The Panic Meter

We rank Domestic Disasters on a four-point scale.

• Do It Yourself: The easiest issues to fix. You can handle it all on your own.
• Phone a Friend: This issue might require a little outside assistance,
• Call a Pro: This situation warrants professional assistance.
• SOS: Problems that are so dangerous, you’re directly at risk of injury or worse.

This kind of problem lands differently on the panic scale depending on how early it’s caught. According to Mitchell, it generally lands between “Do It Yourself” and “Call a Pro.”

“If caught early, a homeowner who knows where the drain line access point is can handle it,” he begins. However, Mitchell warns that “once water has backed up or damage has started, it becomes a professional job.” Fortunately, this is rarely the kind of problem that maxes out our scale at an “SOS” level. It will only get there “when overflow causes electrical damage or widespread water intrusion.”

The Cost Differential

The cost to address this issue varies quite a bit depending on when it’s addressed as well. According to Mitchell, “fixing it early costs almost nothing. Vinegar, hot water, or a wet-dry vacuum usually solves it.”

If you have these around your home, you can fix the problem without spending a dime. If you let it linger, or opt to call in a professional right away, you should be aware that that drain-cleaning visit will probably run you between $150 and $300. (You can find quotes from local services easily online from sites such as Angi.)

This is the kind of problem you want to fix as soon as possible, both for home safety and for financial reasons. Mitchell warns that “ignoring it can lead to a need for a new pan, drywall repair, insulation replacement, or mold remediation. That can push costs into the $800 to $1,500 range, sometimes higher.”

How to Fix It (the Right Way)

If you catch this issue quickly, you can absolutely repair it yourself. Mitchell says that “if it happened to me, I would start by vacuuming the outdoor drain line to pull the blockage out instead of pushing it deeper.” From there, “flush from the indoor access point with warm water and follow with distilled vinegar.” After the drain is clear, “inspect and clean the trap, reset the float switch and replace the air filter.” And finally, “if the system didn’t already have a drain pan treatment option, I would add one.”

Nicole and Michael’s instincts in addressing the issue were overall sound. “Flushing with a garden hose cleared the immediate blockage and vinegar helped break down the remaining growth,” Mitchell confirms. If you run into this problem, however, there is one thing he recommends you do differently. “Pull debris out with a vacuum first, when possible, rather than relying solely on pushing water through.”

 How to Prevent Pink Mold

Just because you can usually fix this yourself doesn’t mean you want to end up in that situation. Fortunately, preventing the blockage is simple,” says Mitchell. “But it requires consistency.”

If you live in a humid area, he recommends “pouring 1/2 cup of distilled vinegar into the condensate line every 30 to 60 days during the cooling season.” Additionally, you should “make sure the drain line slopes properly and doesn’t sag. If water sits in the pipe, bacteria multiply faster.” For roughly $20 per year or less, you can get condensate treatment tablets for your drain pan to help as well.

Airflow is something else you need to think about. Mitchell says that since dust can feed bacterial growth, you need to keep your filters clean. “When filters are clogged or return vents are blocked, airflow slows down.”

This is an annoyance, but it’s also leaving you vulnerable to issues. Mitchell explains that slower airflow “leaves the evaporator coil damp for longer than it should be, which encourages biological growth.”

Make sure you’re cleaning your filters regularly and changing them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Mitchell closes by saying, “Keeping airflow steady helps the system dry out properly between cycles, making it harder for that slime to build up again.”

What Nicole and Michael Learned

Nicole learned several things through this Domestic Disaster. Now she knows “this is a very common issue [in Florida] because it’s so humid … I’ve added AC line maintenance into my regular routine.” The biggest lesson of all this, however, is just how important it is to know where things like your AC drain, breaker panel, shutoff valves and the like are. “This is how I figured out where all of those things are.”

Her advice to others is to prioritize familiarizing themselves with all of the essential parts of their home. It makes troubleshooting much easier and can save you money in the long run. If you can find the source of the issue fast, you can avert further damage and may not need to call in a professional.

About the Expert

Josh Mitchell is an HVAC technician and the founder of Air Conditioner Lab.

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Ranking Retail Giants by How Good Their Return Policies Really Are

Americans may love to shop, but we’re just as enthusiastic about returns. A 2025 Consumer Reports survey found that 91 percent of consumers returned at least one item in the past year, while 62 percent returned between one and five purchases. What we don’t love? Strict return policies and added return fees. In fact, the same report shows that 86 percent of shoppers will only buy from retailers that offer free online returns.

Given these preferences, it might seem like offering flexible, free returns would be standard practice. Yet return policies vary widely across the retail industry, and many retailers still fall short of consumer expectations. Read on to discover which retailers offer the best return policies (and which ones don’t) before making your next purchase, with expert insight from Dr. Pridap K. Shukla, business consultant and professor at Chapman University in California.

How To Evaluate Return Policies

According to Shukla, look for return policies that have clearly written time periods for returns, multiple return options (in-store, ship back, home pickup), customer service agents empowered to assist with problems and fast refunds issued.

A generous return window usually falls between 30 and 60 days, though some retailers give you 90 days, or even a full year. Having multiple ways to return an item is a plus, but always check the fine print, as some stores only accept unopened items in the original packaging, while others are more flexible.

Although many retailers can now track purchases through your credit card, a few still require proof of purchase, so be sure to hang on to receipts. Look out for restocking fees on appliances and electronics, and finally, confirm you can receive your refund to your original payment method and not just store credit.

Best Overall Return Policies

Shukla places Costco, Target, Amazon, Nordstrom and Kohl’s in his top five for customer-friendly return policies. Other notable mentions include LL Bean, Zappos, REI, Target, IKEA and Walmart.

Breaking Down the Policies

Costco

Costco will essentially accept returns anytime after purchase, no questions asked, if you are not 100 percent satisfied. There are a few exceptions, like electronics, which need to be returned within 90 days.

Target

Target offers a 90-day return window on most items, and up to a year for Target-brand products. They also offer free return shipping for online purchases, but do require a receipt for in-store returns to issue a full refund to the original payment method.

Amazon

The online shopping giant offers a 30-day return window for most unused items with a full refund to the original payment method. Returns are free when brought to a designated Amazon return center, but returns via UPS or home pickup will incur a fee.

Nordstrom

For unworn items with a receipt, there is no set return timeline for a full refund. Nordstrom also offers free returns both in-store and via mail.

Kohl’s

This brick-and-mortar retailer accepts returns up to 90 days, or 120 days for Kohl’s card members. Receipts are not needed and returns can be in-store or via mail, although you will be responsible for return shipping costs.

Return Policies to Watch Out For

Shukla says to beware of exclusions on returnable items like electronics or restocking fees, which can be up to 15 percent of the purchase price. He also points out that “some sellers require an authorization code for returns, some have short return windows, and some have small-print language stating that all sales are final. It’s best to know a retailer’s return policy before making a purchase.

Specifically, Apple, eBay, Wayfair and GameStop all have return policies to watch out for. Apple products are only granted a 14-day return window with proof of purchase. GameStop also has a 14-day window for items purchased new, with restocking fees for opened merchandise. Many private sellers on eBay do not accept returns at all, and at Wayfair, buyers are responsible for return shipping on bulky items, which can be expensive.

Additionally, many retailers now charge fees for mail-in returns on online purchases, reserving free returns for in-store returns only. T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s charge $11.99 for mail-in returns, and JCPenney, Macy’s and J Crew have similar policies.

FAQ

Can you ever return used items?

Yes, most retailers will accept returns of items that have been used but are defective. If there is a “Satisfaction Guarantee” or if the return policy does not state “must be returned unopened or unused” you should be able to return used items within the stated return time period, Shukla says. Obviously, if there is a recall or safety issue, you can return a used item.

Are free returns really free?

Free returns do come at a cost to consumers, retailers and the environment. Shoppers pay with their time and effort, and often with higher prices as retailers absorb losses from returns. “Also, from an environmental perspective, returns are not really free, Shukla says. When a consumer returns the item, they add to the environmental cost by driving back to the retail store or to a drop-off destination.

About the Expert

Dr. Pradip K. Shukla is CEO of BestCEOAdvisor, offering executive coaching and consultant services. Dr. Shukla is also a business professor at Chapman University in California.

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How Often Should You Shovel in Heavy Snowfall? An Expert Weighs In

If you’re like me, the last place you want to be during a blizzard is outside shoveling snow in the biting wind and freezing cold. Personally, I’d rather sit by the fire and wait for the storm to end, but as cozy as that sounds, it just makes the job harder on your back and your heart when the weather clears.

“If you are not used to snow shoveling, which is a continuous activity that involves lifting heavy loads, you could create stresses your cardiovascular system is not ready to take,” warns physical therapist Dr. Milica McDowell. You might ask whether it’s any less stressful trying to keep up with the storm by shoveling while the snow is actually falling. Good question.

Why Shoveling Frequency Is Important

Every snowstorm and situation is different, so no one-off strategy works for everyone. Consider what’s good for your heart, back and personal comfort, and think about the safety of people who have to use your walkways and driveway. Some states and municipalities have snow-removal requirements, but even without them, snow-covered walkways can still be hazardous. In some cases, they can turn into an insurance liability.

Factors That Affect How Often You Should Shovel

Can you enjoy sitting by the fire until the snow stops, or do you need to put on your outdoor gear, get out there and start snow shoveling while it’s still snowing? Here are some things to consider:

• Intensity of the storm: If snow is falling at a rate of several inches per hour, or there are high winds and drifting snow, you won’t be able to keep up. You’re probably better off sitting by the fire until things die down.
• Local rules: Maine requires property owners to remove snow 12 hours after a snowfall, while other states have less stringent rules and others have no rules at all or leave the rule-making to communities. Get to know your local bylaws.
• Sleet or freezing rain: It’s a good idea to leave fresh snow on walkways if it’s followed by sleet or freezing rain. A covering of snow prevents ice from forming on concrete and asphalt surfaces, making them dangerously slippery. Enjoy the fire until the rain stops, then tackle the shoveling.
• Your general health: Snow shoveling is hard on the heart and back, especially after snow has accumulated and settled. The National Safety Council warns that exertion in cold weather can trigger a heart attack in some people. People with heart issues should shovel only powder, says the NSC, and if you get out there while the snow is still falling, that’s what you’ll be doing. So if it isn’t windy or rainy, you’re doing your heart a favor by shoveling in stages a little bit at a time while it’s still snowing

Benefits of shoveling in stages

“People tend to think that shoveling partway through a storm is not a good idea, but it’s actually really smart!” says landscaper Daniel Crowley. “This habit is what I often recommend to homeowners, as it’s easier for their body and their yard.” Here are some of the benefits:

• The snow is lighter and easier to manage. Shoveling is easier on your heart and your back.
• You are less likely to dig in to and damage grass and gravel at the edges of the walkways.
• You’ll keep the walkways clear for people who have to use them during the storm. “Imagine not being able to see where you’re stepping or where you’re going,” says Crowley. “Absolutely dangerous.”

General Shoveling Guidelines During Heavy Snow

Snow shoveling is a strenuous activity, no doubt about it. Here are a few pointers from McDowell to help you protect your back and your heart:

• Avoid twisting. McDowell recommends a robotic motion: push the snow in front of you, bend your knees to pick it up, then turn your entire body to deposit it to the side. This helps minimize the twisting motion that can be so damaging to the lower back.
• Push snow out of the way rather than lifting it when possible.
• Dress warmly. Cold temperatures constrict the blood vessels and put extra strain on the heart, so make sure you’re wearing enough clothes to keep your body warm.
• Alternate to the right and to the left. “Most individuals tend to be right-handed,” says McDowell. “So they will shovel to their right, which can cause flare-ups or muscle irritation. Try to do a 50-50 shoveling technique where you shovel for half of your session to the right and half to the left.”
• Warm up before shoveling. Do some exercises indoors to elevate your heart rate. McDowell recommends marching in place, going up and down a flight of stairs or doing squats, but even just walking around the house at a quick pace will help.
• Take frequent breaks. Working slowly and methodically will help you catch your breath and reduce stress on your heart.

When It’s OK to Wait

Don’t fight with Mother Nature. When snow is drifting, coming down faster than you can shovel or turning into rain, you’re better off hanging by the fire than you are trying to work in intense weather conditions.

FAQ

Do the same rules apply for snow blowing?

Speaking from his landscaping experience, Crowley comments: “You’re giving your snow blower a break when clearing snow in layers. It saves your machine from a lot of stress,” plus it prevents it from scattering gravel, mulch, or decorative stones all around your yard.”

That said, a snow blower can handle a heavier accumulation of snow than you can with a shovel. That’s why you have one. So if conditions are bad, your snowblower does give you the opportunity to wait until they improve before you clear the walkways.

Can I wait if I plan to use ice melt later?

This is not a good idea. Ice melt works best when applied to bare pavement but tends to get lost in deep snow. Not only that, it melts some of the snow, which can re-freeze and turn to ice, making the snow heavier and the cleanup that much more difficult.

About the Experts

• Daniel Crowley is the founder of Hello Gravel. a company with a mission to make delivering gravel easy and stress free nationwide.
• Dr. Milica McDowell is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with over 20 years experience in sports/orthopedics. She is also a personal trainer, exercise physiologist, team and endurance sport coach, gym owner, 13 time Ironman finisher, 50K finisher and CrossFit level 1 certified coach.

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Over 50? This 10-Minute Warm-Up Can Help Protect Your Heart When Shoveling

Shoveling the white stuff from your walkway and driveway after a snowstorm isn’t a task most people look forward to, especially seniors or people with a history of heart problems (like me). It isn’t all bad, though. New York chiropractor Steven Pungello says, “It can actually be a great workout for elderly people to do while also accomplishing a chore.” But he does caution that shoveling preparation is essential if you want to protect your heart.

“While I was in the Army, even fit people’s heart rates surged when lifting something during winter,” says former U.S. Army logistics leader Chad S. Lipka. Those of us with aging hearts need to heed that warning, but the snow won’t go away by itself (at least not for a couple of months). So if the snow-removal task falls to you, here are some shoveling preparation tips to help you warm up, some tips to help you cool down after you’re finished, and some more general advice to help you stay in shape and ready for the next storm.

Why Shoveling Is Hard on the Heart

Two main factors increase the stress on your heart when shoveling snow. One is the repeated action of lifting and twisting, and the other is exposure to cold temperatures.

Repeated twisting, heavy lifting, and sustained effort all put excessive strain on the heart, says Lipka, and that can cause a heart attack. It also raises your blood pressure, which can be harmful to your heart and brain. According to the Mayo Clinic, high blood pressure can cause a stroke or ministroke.

Working in cold temperatures intensifies the risk. “Cold exposure causes vascular contraction, meaning that as you work harder, your heart is straining to pump more blood through constricted arteries, creating serious strain,” advises sports massage therapist John White.

Warm-Up Exercises Before Shoveling

“Ten minutes of gentle cardio before you begin shoveling is a great way to warm up,” advises White. As shoveling preparation to slowly raise your heart rate and loosen your joints, he recommends:

• a brisk walk;
• jumping jacks;
• a series of arm circles.

Exercises to Do After Shoveling

“As tempting as it can be to collapse on the sofa once you’ve finished,” says White, “it’s essential to cool down steadily.” He and Pungello suggest:

• gentle stretches;
• a slow wander around the house for five minutes;
• cobra positions or other spinal extension movements to relieve lower back tension.

Strength Exercises to Build Shoveling Readiness

An important part of shoveling preparation is keeping your back strong and limber, says Lipka. That helps reduce strain on the heart, and it makes your day-to-day life more comfortable. These yoga poses can help:

• cobra;
• knees-to-chest;
• low lunge;
• child’s pose.

To develop lower-body strength, Lipka recommends exercises like squats and step-ups for the legs and hip hinges, and farmer carries to improve bending and lifting mechanics. “The key to reducing unnecessary strain on the heart and lower back is to use moderate resistance and controlled breathing, aiming for steady effort rather than maximum strength,” he advises.

“Anything that strengthens your core (abdominal) muscles will add a layer of protection for your back,” adds White. And for those of us who continue to shovel despite having back pain, he has one more piece of advice: “It’s always crucial to remember to lift (and shovel) from your legs and not your back.”

FAQ

How long should I warm up before shoveling?

About five to 10 minutes, says White, but it really depends on your overall physical condition. You may want to spend a little more time warming up if you don’t get much physical exercise and your body feels stiff.

Should older adults take extra time to warm up?

Yes. Older adults are more at risk of adverse effects from constricted blood vessels when working in cold weather, so they should spend at least 10 minutes in light activity, such as walking in place or stretching, before shoveling snow. They should also take frequent breaks and practice effort-saving shoveling techniques, like using a small to medium-sized shovel and pushing snow instead of lifting it whenever possible.

About the Experts

• Steven Pungello is a sports rehab chiropractor in Brooklyn, specializing in treating runners and other sports injuries. He is the owner of Full Stride Spine & Sport.
• John White is a Level 3 Sports Massage Therapist, qualified adult nurse, and founder of Knead Massage.
• Chad S. Lipka is a former US Army logistics leader and the founder of North Shore Sauna, which was inspired by a lifelong connection to Finnish sauna culture.

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Over 80,000 Jeep Vehicles Recalled Over Faulty Rear Coil Springs

Another recall announcement just went out. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) just announced that Chrysler is recalling over 80,000 Jeep vehicles due to faulty rear coil springs. If this recall sounds familiar, and you remember getting your Jeep repaired already, you’re not done yet. The recall announcement says that “this recall replaces NHTSA recall number 23V413. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.”

Why Is Chrysler Recalling So Many Jeeps?

The NHTSA announcement explains that in the affected Jeeps, “the rear coil springs may be incorrectly installed and detach from the vehicle while driving.” Loose coils are dangerous; the NHTSA warns that “rear coil springs that detach from the vehicle while driving increase the risk of a crash.”

Which Jeep Vehicles Have Faulty Rear Coil Springs?

According to the NHTSA brief, Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling almost 81,000 Jeeps, including the:

• 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
• 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
• 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
• 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
• 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep owners should keep an eye on their mailboxes. Chrysler will mail out an initial round of letters explaining the issue in mid-February 2026. The company will send out a second round of letters once there’s a fix available, likely in March 2026.

If you want to see if your vehicle is impacted, and don’t want to wait for a letter, you can check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA site.

How Will Chrysler Fix This?

Chrysler has announced that “dealers will inspect and repair the rear coil spring assembly, as necessary, free of charge.” Make an appointment as soon as you’re able so that you can drive your vehicle with peace of mind.

If you have further questions, you can reach FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC’s number for this recall is 20D and the NHTSA number is 26V051000.

Source

Rear Coil Springs May Detach, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2026.

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