Making the grade
Local producers of HGTV’s “Professional Grade” are looking for Denver-area homeowners to audition for the show’s second season. Their tagline: “If you think you’ve got what it takes to be the general contractor on your own home renovation and you think you can do it cheaper than the pros, then we want you!” In the show, homeowners attempt to source high-end materials on the cheap, manage subcontractors and tackle hands-on work themselves in an attempt to lowball professional contractors for a chance to win cash. During the show’s first season, one big winner walked away with $40,000. Interested candidates should e-mail generalcontractor@highnoontv.com for an application and more information about the show.
Smarter snow removal
As countless homeowners nationwide have experienced in recent weeks, shoveling snow, though great exercise, can pose a physical risk when it’s done improperly. Back injuries, falls, fractures and even heart attacks can happen when shovelers fail to properly warm up and prepare for the activity. The Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey () offers these tips for safe snow-shoveling:
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
• Avoid caffeine and nicotine, as they can cause extra stress on the heart, especially among individuals with a history of poor heart health.
• Dress in layers and be sure to wear a hat, gloves and sturdy, nonskid footwear.
• Do some basic warm-up exercises before shoveling, such as walking for a few minutes or marching in place. Stretch the muscles in your arms and legs. Warm muscles will work more efficiently and are less likely to become injured.
• Try to shovel fresh snow rather than partially melted and packed snow.
• Lift small amounts at a time — using your legs, not your back.
• Scoop snow in a forward motion and step in the direction as you throw the snow. Avoid twisting and tossing the snow over your shoulder or to the side.
• Try pushing the snow forward rather than lifting.
• Make sure you have a good snow shovel. Many newer models offer ergonomic features to facilitate lifting and throwing.
• Pace yourself. Take frequent rest breaks and avoid overexertion.
• Stop shoveling immediately and seek appropriate medical attention if you experience any pain in the chest or arm, shortness of breath or profuse sweating.
Compiled by Elana Ashanti Jefferson
Heirs to the throne?
Two Colorado homeowners — both of whom live in Colorado Springs — are finalists in CSN Stores’ “$10,000 Green and Clean Bathroom Bailout, a nationwide search to find the person with the worst case of the bathroom blues.” This contest from the online home retailer was an effort to find and fix outdated, energy-wasting, dilapidated bathrooms. Out of roughly 9,000 entries from people in dire need of bathroom makeovers, these two rose to the top with stories of tiles “falling off the wall,” disintegrating grout, dated fixtures and the like. You can browse through all of the finalist entries, rate their photos and help CSN Stores select a winner by clicking on the contest tab at .
