It’s no secret that winters in Illinois tend to be cold. Temperatures often drop below freezing, and snow is far from a rarity. Of course, this chilly weather brings with it plenty of fun opportunities, from winter festivals to ice skating, but it can also make life a bit more challenging when it comes to traveling, commuting to work, or even just popping to the grocery store. So if you’re getting fed up with having to spend time shoveling your driveway every morning, here’s why a snow blower might just be the answer that you’ve been looking for.
What’s Wrong With Shoveling My Driveway?
If you’re young, fit, and healthy, there isn’t necessarily anything wrong with shoveling your driveway! You don’t need to buy any special equipment or hire any help; all it takes is time and effort. However, if you lead a busy lifestyle with long work hours, then you might not appreciate having to get up extra early every morning to shovel snow just so you can get to the office. Likewise, shoveling snow can be hard work and actually result in back pain or even injury, especially for older people.
Back pain might not be an issue that you’ve given much thought to previously, however it’s one of the most common causes of pain in the US – in 2019, 39% of adults reported having experienced it in the past three months. Taking care of your back is extremely important because severe back pain can be utterly debilitating and affect everything from strength to balance and mobility. It even impacts our mental health. Therefore finding an alternative to shoveling could be a lifesaver.
How Can A Snow blower Help?
When a blizzard hits and covers the ground in many inches of snow, quality snow blowers can be efficient and effective at clearing your driveway. There are several different types, but essentially they are machines that use an auger and/or an impeller to scoop up snow and shoot it out through a discharge chute. You can walk along behind it comfortably, with no need to bend down or exert a lot of effort like you do when shoveling. As it’s larger than a shovel, a snow blower isn’t quite as maneuverable, however. This means that you’ll still need a shovel (or another method such as heated mats) to clear snow from stairs or very narrow walkways.
Whichever method you use, be sure to take care when walking around in snowy and icy conditions to clear your driveway. Choose a pair of shoes that have good grip, and walk slowly and steadily. It helps to keep your center of gravity low, take short steps, and avoid steep slopes if possible. Putting down salt or grit can also be great at reducing the risk of slipping. Use handrails for support when navigating stairs, and try not to be distracted by your cellphone. Finally, remember to wrap up in warm layers and wear gloves to keep your hands comfortable – you won’t be able to have them in your pockets when operating your snow blower!