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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5 Tips For Identifying AI Scams Before It’s Too Late

Reflect On Your Emotions

If you received a message or email that tugs at your emotions in any type of way — whether positive or negative — then you should take a second to consider if you’ve just fallen prey to an AI scam.

“If it feels urgent or emotional, pause,” says Kaylin Peete, program specialist at the Family Online Safety Institute. “AI scams are designed to push your buttons. They want you to feel worried, rushed, or flattered so you’re pressured to act. Any message that makes you feel like you have to act immediately is worth slowing down and double-checking.”

Pay Attention to Pauses And Patterns

These days AI voices and videos can be impressive, but they are not perfect (at least not yet). “Keep an ear out for awkward phrasing, strange pauses, or expressions that do not quite match what is being said,” says Peete. “That uneasy feeling is often your first clue.”

You’ll often find this when you answer a call from an unknown number or if you receive a voicemail that sounds a bit awkward whether from a customer service representative or miscellaneous individual.

Don’t Be Impressed By Personal Information

According to Peete, scams today often know your name, job, or family members because that information is easy to find online. “Familiar details are meant to lower your guard, not prove legitimacy,” she explains.

If you receive an email or message from a suspicious account or phone number, then you’ll want to be cautious about how they obtained your personal information, confirm they are a credible and legitimate source and do your best to make sure they aren’t an AI hacker.

Keep An Ear Out For Familiar Voices

Mohammed Nasir, co-founder and CEO of General Agency and Altrina (formally known as Tessa AI), cautions people to be wary of talking to people on the phone who sound like someone you know.

“There are AI voice cloning scams where you get a fake phone call using clone voices of someone you already know, like a family member, your manager, or even a public figure in the company you work for, like the CEO,” Nasir tells FH.

You’ll want to verify they are calling from their usual phone number and, if necessary, ask clarifying questions to see if it’s actually the individual on the other end of the line or an AI bot.

Watch For Gibberish Text

If you receive a message that sounds like gibberish, has multiple typos, or contains run-on sentences, you’ll want to confirm its source to make sure it’s not a security risk.

Many AI generators push out messages that can make it past spam filters; however, they aren’t quality at all. In some cases, most of the information will be accurate but there will be tiny mistakes such as “.con” instead of “.com” which you could accidentally ignore if you’re not careful. You may also find awkward phrasing and language which isn’t something an actual human would use when crafting a message.

The same goes for imagery: If you receive an urgent email asking you to do something with a compelling image, be sure to check the photo’s background before acting rashly. AI-generators struggle to produce text in photos, so if you see that all that signage in the background of a photo is gibberish, it’s probably a sign the photo is AI-generated.

RELATED:

• See a Green Dot on Your Android Phone? Here’s What It Means
• If You Get a USPS Scam Text, You Need To Do This Immediately
• This Is How Often You Should Restart Your Phone

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How To Make a Replacement Leaf For Your Dining Room Table

Open the table to determine leaf measurements

Open the table to its full capacity, then measure the width of the table and the opening between its two halves. Your leaf should match the width of the table and be 1-1/2- to 2-in. narrower than the table opening. For example, if your table opens 24-in. wide (like ours), make your leaf 22-1/2-in. wide at the biggest to ensure there is enough room to slide the leaf in and out with ease.

Assemble the slats

With the dimensions of your leaf determined:

• Cut the slats (A, B, and C) to width. Leave them an inch or two long, so you can make clean end cuts after they’ve been glued together.
• Using a biscuit joiner to cut corresponding slots for #10 wood biscuits in each slat (A, B, and C) of the table leaf.
• Once biscuit slots have been cut, dry fit the slats (A, B, and C) together to ensure the biscuits line up.
• After the dry fit, glue up the middle slat section of the leaf (A, B, and C). Use clamps to ensure a tight fit and prevent curling. Don’t stress if the ends don’t line up perfectly; you will be able to cut them flush to exact dimensions after the glue is dry.
• Once the biscuit joints have dried, unclamp the glued-up slats and clean up excess glue and squeeze out. Test-fit the slats in the actual table and mark where to trim the ends of the slats.
• Trim the slat ends (A, B, and C) to their final length.

Attach end caps

Using a biscuit joiner, attach the end caps (D) to both ends of the slat section (A, B, and C) that has already been assembled. Mark for biscuits, cut the biscuit slots, dry-fit, and glue up with plenty of clamps.

When clamping the end caps (D) in place, be sure not to apply too much pressure, as the end caps (D) may rise, creating an uneven surface. Use as many clamps as needed to ensure the slats (A, B, and C) and endcaps (D) stay flat as they are glued up.

Transfer dowel locations

On most tables, dowels are used to index the leaf in place and ensure it doesn’t move during use. Start by ensuring the top surface of the glued-up slats (A, B, and C) and endcaps (D) panel is flush with the table surface. If it’s not, shim it up.

Then, use dowel centers and a colored wax pencil to transfer the exact placement of the dowel pins on both sides of your table to your new leaf.  Drill holes for new dowels where you have marked, keeping in mind that they won’t be centered if you are building your leaf with thinner lumber than the actual table top, like we are. Be very careful to drill in at the correct angle to avoid misalignment.

Attach apron

Place the leaf in the table and lock it in place with the dowel pins.  Mark out the placement of the apron (E) on the leaf so it lines up and mirrors the apron on the table. Attach the top edge of the apron (E) to the underside of the endcap (D) with 1/4-in. dowels using dowel centers. Glue, clamp and allow to dry.

Attach the edge detail

Most tables have an edge detail that is simply routed along the edge of the table top. For this table, there was actually a molding piece with a 30-degree bevel attached to the sides of it, which we needed to match. Using a track saw to ensure a straight line, cut a 30-degree bevel on your trim piece (F) to match the existing table. Then, dial in its width at the table saw and cut it to length at the miter saw. Stain it to match and attach it to the edge of the end cap (E) on both ends of the leaf with glue and a 23-gauge nail gun so it aligns with the bevel on the rest of the table.

Finishing touches

Once all pieces have been put together, touch up any holes with wood filler and stain.  Apply at least two coats of oil-based polyurethane to the entire leaf, sanding between coats. The golden tone of an oil-based sealer will help achieve a better color match between the new drop leaf and an older table.

FAQ

How wide is a leaf for a table?

Additional extendable table leaves are usually available in 12-in. and 18-in. lengths.  Often used in pairs and based on the capacity of your table, you may use one or two leaves at a time.

What is a butterfly leaf dining table?

A butterfly leaf table folds into itself and tucks under the tabletop when stored away. The name “butterfly leaf” is derived from the look of the leaf, which is made of two pieces that fold open in half when being used. This design eliminates the need for additional storage for separate leaves and allows the table to expand quickly for more seating.

Why is a table extender called a leaf?

Early versions of a table extender looked like plant leaves when folded down, also known as drop leaves. The name then came to be used for any flat, removable table extender. Easier to use the term “table leaf” than “table extender.”

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Clean Your Car’s Cup Holders in 30 Minutes or Less With This 5-Step Guide

Empty the cup holders

Clear away any cups and loose trash from the cup holders. If you have a cup holder insert or a cup holder separator, remove them as well.

Vacuum

Vacuum the inside and area around the outside of the cup holders of any leftover small trash, crumbs, dirt, etc. If you have a cup holder lid, close it and vacuum the tight edges around it to get any dirt or crumbs that may have gotten wedged in the cracks.

Use a cleaning gel

Use a car cleaning gel as a follow-up after vacuuming to pick up dirt or crumbs that the vacuum could not. Form it into a ball and roll it around in the cup holder, periodically squeezing it at the edges and corners to get hard-to-reach debris. The gel comes sticky, so any little particle of dirt or debris will get picked up.  A great thing about the cleaning gel is that you can reuse it a few times before throwing it out. Just fold over the dirty side until you get a nice, clean smooth surface, and it’s ready to be used again.

Scrub them clean

Spray an interior car cleaner inside the cup holder. Use a soft-bristle boar’s hair brush combined with a microfiber towel to scrub the inside and outside of the cup holder. Be sure to scrub deep inside the cracks and corners. For cup holders with inserts or separators, use the brush to remove caked-on grime, then wipe with a microfiber towel and cleaning solution.

Once the car cup holders have been scrubbed, wipe them down with a clean microfiber towel. To get into those cracks and corners, use your fingernail or a plastic credit card to push the towel into them to clean up any leftover cleaner.

Apply interior protectant and reinstall inserts

Spray an even layer of interior car protectant onto a clean microfiber towel. Apply the protectant to the cup holders, ensuring it is evenly distributed on the inside and outside of the cup holders and the cup holder inserts. Wipe away any excess protectant. Reinstall any cup holder inserts after the protectant is dry.

The interior protectant is great as it adds a clean, shiny finish and helps protect your interior from UV damage. Over time, without protection, UV rays can discolor your interior and may cause it to crack, leading to repairs and headaches.

FAQ

What should I not clean a car interior with?

There are several things you should never use to clean your car’s interior, including dish soap, bleach, glass cleaner and other household cleaners. The harsh chemicals and abrasive properties of these cleaners will eventually damage your car’s interior surfaces. Stick to products specifically made for cars, as they’ve been tested and are proven to protect your interior.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for car interior?

No. Avoid using Dawn dish soap for any car cleaning, inside or out. Dish soap breaks down grease and oil, and when applied to a vehicle’s interior surfaces and may strip the protective layer, causing it to dry out, crack and fade the color. Avoid at all costs.

Are car cup holder inserts worth it?

Car cup holder inserts help reduce mess, prevent rattling, and secure smaller drinks. The low cost of these products makes them appealing (at least to try) for people who want to make their cup holders more useful or keep them cleaner.

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Phil Saw His Shadow: Tips to Survive 6 More Weeks of Winter

It’s Groundhog Day and Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. According to folklore, this means we’re in for another six weeks of winter. And with the giant storms that have been battering huge swaths of the United States recently, this verdict probably isn’t much of a surprise. But since there’s nothing we can do about it, why not make the best of these last six weeks of winter? From prepping for extreme weather to taking up fun hobbies, we’ve got several ideas to keep you occupied until the first day of spring.

Restock Your Winter Supplies Now

Don’t wait for the next storm announcement to restock on any winter supplies you might be running low on. Take inventory and set aside time to get anything you’re running low on like low temperature windshield washer fluid and ice melt.

If your local stores are out of ice melt, Projects Editor Ethan O’Donnell, has an alternative: water softener salt. He admits that it’s not quite as effective, since the pebbles are larger than traditional ice melt, But it’ll get the job done and might even save you a few bucks in the process.

Recharge Your Devices

Take some time to make sure all of your important devices and winter tools are recharged. Power banks, snowblowers, electric shovel batteries…you get the picture. Making sure everything is fully charged now means you’ll have a jump start on preparing for the next storm or cleaning up the next snowfall.

Get a Space Heater

If you don’t already have one, you should look into getting a space heater. Six more weeks of wintry weather more than warrants it. If you already have a space heater, check that it’s still in working order. And if you own an older model, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient option so you don’t raise your energy bills too much while staying warm.

Try Out Some Hobbies With Your Kids

If the weather threatens a snowstorm, or if it’s simply to cold to go outside, try taking up a new hobby. If you’ve got children, see if there’s a hobby you can learn with them. You can start small. Learning to knit or crochet is a fun way to keep your hands busy while making useful items. If small isn’t your speed however, fear not. You can jump straight to the big stuff and pick something like a large woodworking project to work on instead.

Lay the Groundwork for Spring Plans

Got an idea for a new vegetable garden? Planning a renovation? Just hoping to change up something about your space? True, you may need to wait until spring to actually break ground on these projects. But now’s a great time to get started on the plans. Figure out what each step is going to entail, and estimate costs as well as what kinds of building materials you’ll need to stock up on. This way, you can jump right into your project the moment the weather allows.

Get a Head Start on Spring Cleaning

In a similar vein, get some of your spring cleaning out of the way now so that you have less to do once the weather actually turns. Whether it’s taking on a new organizational project or just starting to sort through your items to make “keep,” “donate,” and “toss” piles, anything you do now makes the actual spring workload a lot lighter.

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The Department of Transportation Wants AI to Write the Rules of the Road Now

It feels like every time I turn around, there’s a new artificial intelligence (AI) company trying desperately to sell me their product. Even when I’m not navigating around scams, the generic slop that generative AI puts out clogs up my experience. And I’m not alone in this. While many people online have repeatedly asked for ways to turn off or entirely remove AI from their experience, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that it is set to use AI to start writing regulations going forward.

How Does the DOT Use AI?

Late last year, the DOT updated its Artificial Intelligence Activities page to reflect the ways it’s already incorporating AI into its workflow. They claim to be trying to enable “the safe integration of AI into the transportation system,” and refer to it as “a foundational technology in many automated driving systems and unmanned aircraft systems.” They’re also hoping to integrate it into “conventional aircraft systems as well as traffic management operations across modes.”

Their activities page also looked at how they claim to want to adopt in “internal operations, research, and citizen-facing services.” To this end, the DOT reportedly “has focused investments in the application of AI” in order to improve “the efficiency and effectiveness of internal processes and research” for things like:

• generative AI
• natural language processing
• computer vision
• machine learning-based predictive analytics

Where Do AI Written Regulations Fit into This?

In an article for ProPublica, Jesse Coburn observed that the DOT’s general counsel, Gregory Zerzan, “appeared interested mainly in the quantity of regulations that AI could produce, not their quality.” He cited Zerzan as saying, “We don’t need the perfect rule on XYZ. We don’t even need a very good rule on XYZ,” but rather that “we want good enough.”

If that sounds alarming to you, you’re not alone. Coburn reports that “these developments have alarmed some at DOT.” For those unfamiliar with just how big the DOT’s sphere of influence is, Coburn explains that their rules impact “virtually every facet of transportation safety.” According to him, their regulations “keep airplanes in the sky, prevent gas pipelines from exploding and stop freight trains carrying toxic chemicals from skidding off the rails.”

Offloading the creation of these regulations to “a nascent technology notorious for making mistakes” seems nonsensical, but according to Coburn the DOT is doing this to increase the speed at which they can roll out new regulations. Ordinarily, it can take months or even years to draft, revise, and publish regulations, he explains. “But,” he says, “with DOT’s version of Google Gemini, employees could generate a proposed rule in a matter of minutes or even seconds.”

Sources

• U.S. DOT Artificial Intelligence Activities, U.S. department of Transportation, 2025.
• Government by AI? Trump Administration Plans to Write Regulations Using Artificial Intelligence, ProPublica, 2026.

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