Get Down and Dirty — It’s Gardening Season!
One of the greatest springtime pleasures in suburbia is "getting down and dirty"! Gardening is a very popular hobby. Keeping a few things in mind while you garden can prevent "backbreaking" work.
- Warm up before you start!
Like any other activity, gardening can cause pulled muscles and sore joints if you jump into it cold. Your back, neck, shoulders or legs can get hurt so spend 5-10 minutes stretching prior to picking up that shovel. - Work smart!
Don’t carry too much at one time – take more than one trip with smaller loads. If you’re gritting your teeth or holding your breath, you’re working too hard. Get someone to give you a hand when hauling really heavy or clumsy items. Don’t lift a huge amount of dirt with the shovel – you’re less likely to get hurt by lifting a smaller amount of dirt each time. - Keep your project directly in front of you!
Lifting and reaching too far to the front or side causes many injuries. It’s better to get up and move to your work rather than twisting and straining your body. Use your legs to do the work – NOT your back. - Use the proper tools!
Spades, forks and other gardening tools are manufactured in various lengths and sizes – the correct size is the key to help avoid straining your back. If you’re unable to find the exact size tool for the job, choose lightweight long-handled tools, preferably stainless steel, to reduce friction. - Protect yourself from the environment!
Drink plenty of water, wear a hat with a brim for shade, and use sunscreen on exposed skin. (The sun can be very intense and bad burns can lead to skin cancer.)
[From Newport News Health Online, June 2002]