Season of Warm Colors: It's Time to Rake, its Autumn! The work involved in autumn clean-up is wonderfully rewarding- not only would you be keeping your yard pristine when plants begin to renew themselves in preparation for the next season, but it's good cardiovascular exercise as well.
You just have to make sure that you're in perfect condition during and after the autumn clean-up.
Be careful...
According to the CDCP in the United States, more than 40 million Americans each year are rushed to seek medical help from injuries (mostly minor) that have resulted from the seasonal autumn clean-up.
Orthopedic surgeons warn of the dangers of improper posture and clumsiness when cleaning your yard during autumn.
Keep these in mind while you rake away 1.
Autumn clean-up is hard work- it's actually a variety of exercises rolled into one long activity.
Every part of your body would be subjected to physical strain, especially your back, your hamstring and your arms.
To avoid injury, make sure that you warm up before you attack those little hills of fallen leaves.
Ten minutes should be enough warm up to prepare your muscles and bones adequately for the work ahead.
2.
Your tools for autumn clean-up should not only be well-oiled and impeccably preserved, they have to be the right size as well.
If you are planning on replacing your rake for this season's autumn clean-up, choose a rake whose dimensions you find very comfortable.
Weight, height and controllability- all these are important in determining which rake should be the one for you.
3.
In all important activities, we need all our basic senses working properly- sight, hearing, smell and our sense of touch.
If it isn't necessary, don't wear goggles or scarves or other articles of clothing that would obstruct your field of vision.
The usual hazards during autumn clean-up include hidden rocks, small jutting roots and slippery surfaces.
Avoid bruises, twisted ankles and sore backs by being observant and careful while you rake away.
4.
Proper posture is also key to your personal safety.
Avoid repeated jerky movements that force the back into unnatural positions.
If you have to carry something heavy, remember to always put the weight on your knees and not on your back.
Don't bend too low- use the long handle of the rake instead.
If your back already feels like exploding from exhaustion, rest.
5.
Believe it or not, there is also proper attire for autumn clean-up.
No, you don't have to buy anything expensive to be safe.
If you have boots that are slip-resistant, those would work beautifully for the purpose of autumn clean-up.
The reason for slip-resistant footwear during autumn-clean up is to avoid accidents with slippery, wet leaves.
Moist earth and slippery leaves can break your back, believe it.