Fall in Florida is a different season than the majority of the USA. While much of the country is raking leaves, we are still mowing lawns. Keeping the yard in shape still requires work. If you aren’t enthused by fall yard work then perhaps some safety reminders are what you need to keep you running at 100% and ready to watch some football.
1. Plan. Make a list of what you want to accomplish for the day and then start at the top. Prepare for the tasks by getting the proper equipment needed (like knee pads if you are weeding, gloves for just about everything). Learn how to work without hurting yourself. Minimize twisting and bending.
2. Don’t overdo it. It might seem like common sense, but unless you work in your yard everyday your body is not conditioned to do that type of work and you will feel the consequences. Plan to accomplish certain tasks over 2-3 days.
3. Take breaks. Often times it is easy to just keep going because you feel “fine” but it is important to stop and rest. Fatigue will often come before back pain or neck pain. Many injuries sneak up on you when you are in a hurry to finish up after you are already tired. Take short breaks to sit, hydrate and eat throughout your yard work. This can help to avoid injury, muscle strain and just plain over-tiredness.
I’m looking forward to fall and all the fun memories that come with it. Pumpkin patches, trick or treating, watching football, tolerating hot chocolate (if it ever cools down), and pumpkin pie. Let yourself enjoy the season without the aches and pains. Enjoy the leaves and football (even with bad refs) and forget the herniated disc. Call us today to see how we can help you feel better.
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