Spring is here, finally, and with the arrival of this warmer season comes a whole lot of work! It’s time to get out to those lawns and gardens and get things cleaned up. It’s the time of year when we all like to plant some flowers to brighten things up, tackle the weeds that seem to come from nowhere, and in my case, tackle the overgrown shrubs and vines that managed to survive the longest winter ever!
When the sun made a rare appearance this past weekend I dashed outside to see how much work I could cram in, and here is my sad confession. After a mere two hours I was done! Not done because the yard was finished and pretty, but done because I was in agony. My back was screaming OUCH, stop woman, enough! As much as I love the idea of getting my yard into ship shape, a couple of reminders to take care of myself while I do so were definitely in order.
Improper gardening techniques can cause repetitive strain, and wear and tear on joints and muscles, especially the lower back. Especially for people like me with an existing back injury. Want to be sure you don’t end up groaning and in pain like I did last weekend? Follow these great tips provided by the Ontario Chiropractic Association to help avoid back injuries this spring:
· Stretch it out – Make sure you stretch your thighs, shoulders, sides, arms, back and hamstrings before you start to get the most out of your gardening
· Alternate tasks – Switch from heavy tasks to light ones, and change your hands and positions frequently.
· Lift with ease – Always bend with your knees and keep a straight back. Carry the load close to your body.
· Get low when planting – Knee pads or a kneeling mat can help to ease the strain on your back while you plant and weed your garden. Keep a straight back and stop when you need to have a break.
· Rake Right – Put one leg in front and another behind when you rake, and alternate on occasion to minimize the back strain.
For more information, be sure to visit The Ontario Chiropractic Association website or give them a like on Facebook. (insider tip: They have some ahh-mazing giveaway’s going on over there right now!)
Chiropractors tend to see more back injuries from poor positioning and lifting during springtime gardening and they truly want you to plant and rake without the ache! So take heed of the advice they have offered up and then jump in and enter to win this lovely giveaway! One lucky reader of How To Survive Life in the Suburbs will win this fabulous Plant and Rake Without the Ache Gift Basket ARV $100.00 !!! It contains everything you will need to garden in style and without that ache!
Please enter using the Rafflecopter form provided. Contest is open to Canada only and closes June 1, 2014.
Disclosure: I am participating in a campaign with the Ontario Chiropractor Association, all opinions and thoughts expressed are my own.
I always sit on a stool, wear knee pads and never lift anything using my back!
I liked and shared on facebook as Nicole Graham.
Alternate tasks is my favourite way to not get stiff, and stretch before and after.
https://twitter.com/leanne_mac/status/470073545607753728
https://twitter.com/leanne_mac/status/469709773647015936
like on Facebook
I try and take breaks to rest my back I try as not lift things that are to heavy. I like to take my time in the garden and not rush the outcome
Liked your Facebook giveaway entry post 🙂
Stretch every morning and before and after lifting something heavy. Don’t lift anything too heavy by yourself; for someone to help you. Always lift using your legs and knees, not your back.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/ginette4/status/469471008340975616
Bend correctly but warm up before you garden
definitely life with your knees and not your back
I like to always do a little stretching before I do anything. Bending with your knees not your back, and I try not to do a lot of conortionist moves in the garden.
Bend at the knees and not the back or use a kneeler pad.
I am entering your giveaway.
It would be great to win the Plant and Rake Without the Ache Gift Basket.
My best tip to avoid back injuries this spring is
always bend with your knees to prevent strain on your back.
On your Facebook Page i liked and shared your Giveaway announcement for another entry.
Thank you for having this giveaway!!!!!!!!!!!!