SPRING GARDENING TIPS
BY DR. DUANE SMITH
nseasonably warm weather and showers in March this year have many people thinking summer and many gardeners keen to get their hands dirty. Spring clean-up and preparation for the upcoming season has begun already.
It is very important to take care of yourself and avoid injuries which could interfere with your gardening. If you take the necessary precautions, aches and pains and serious injury can be avoided. Weekend gardeners who have been dormant during the winter months can be especially vulnerable to injury.
The most common injuries gardeners may experience are to the low back, upper back, neck and shoulders. Certain activities in the garden or yard can cause or worsen a problem which can result in pain. When you are lifting dirt an debris, let your arms, legs and thighs carry the load, and don't try to handle too much at a time. This should help strengthen the muscles and make yard work easier at the same time.
Other tips to lessen the likelihood of injury include: