Fall Yardwork

With the start of September, there's a crispness in the air, and before you know it the leaves will be falling. Before you reach for your rake this fall, consider the possible consequences: back strain, neck strain and pain in the shoulders. The twisting, turning, bending and reaching involved in raking your yard can cause injury if your body is not prepared. Follow these tips to avoid injury:

• Stretch, without bouncing, for 10 to 15 minutes prior to tackling your yard. Do knee-to-chest pulls, trunk rotations and side bends with hands above your head and fingers locked
• Stand as straight as possible and keep your head up. Use a "scissors' stance:" right foot forward and left foot back, reverse after a few minutes, putting your left foot forward and your right foot back.
• Bend at the knees, not the waist, as you pick up piles of leaves or grass. Make the piles small to decrease the possibility of back strain.
• Drink lots of water and wear protective gear such as long pants and gloves.

If you feel soreness or stiffness in your back, use ice to soothe the discomfort. If there's no improvement in two or three days, see your doctor of chiropractic.