It’s that time of year again when mother nature starts to provide you with more tasks that need to be completed. Even though the leaves that fall on your property are beautiful, you will do everything possible to maintain your property. Get out your leaf blowers, mowers, rakes and hop to it, but be sure not to injure yourself while in the process. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 42 million people seek emergency room treatment for yard work-related injuries each year. Fall clean up tasks such as raking and cleaning gutters can cause muscle strain because of repetitive movements. The following are some recommendations by physical therapists to prevent being a statistic.
First, warm up and take breaks. While you are obviously not going to the gym, you will be lifting, bending, and on the go for a few hours. Warming up allows blood to flow to your muscles and raises your body temperature and stretching helps prevent your shoulders, neck, and back from being strained.
Always use equipment that suits you. For example, use rakes that are comfortable for your height and strength. If you are using machinery that may be to heavy, consider a manual method or call a landscaper. It is also advised you wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from dirt particles as well as earmuffs to protect your hearing from loud machinery.
Be sure to keep appropriate posture and movements. Working on the yard requires arm strength and switching arms often can keep the muscle use on both sides equal. Lastly, remember not to over work yourself. Doing too much too soon can do more harm than good. Even though crossing this hassle off your to do list will make you rather happy, will you be enjoying the next few days in bed from the pain? Doubt it. Being that you will be doing this throughout the next few weeks, it is better to take precaution and watch out for the health hazards that may arise.
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