Finish Fall Activities Without Straining the Body
By Brandi Swieter
For many people, autumn means handling outdoor activities such as raking the leaves. What may be a fun chore for kids can quickly become a grueling task for adults as they strain their bodies to get the job done. Rather than overexerting oneself and causing harm to the body by doing the activity incorrectly, people should aim to finish their fall activities safely without straining their bodies more than necessary.
Warm Up
Never get started right away on a fall chore. Instead, people should do their best to warm up their muscles by taking a short walk, doing some stretches, and even simply bending forward and side to side. It helps to prepare the body for the work ahead and prevent injuries from occurring quickly.
Wear Supportive Shoes
Leaves become slippery when wet, and it can rain often in the fall months. Avoid slipping by wearing supportive shoes that have plenty of traction. With proper foot support, the back will not give out as easily, either. It is good to wear supportive shoes whether a person is raking the leaves or otherwise.
Keep a Slow Pace
No matter which activity a person is completing, they should always keep a slow pace and avoid going too fast. Even walking too fast can make an individual run out of breath quickly and cause them to become lightheaded and overworked. While raking, walking, or performing another fall activity, a slow pace should always get utilized. It’s the best way to help prevent an injury.
Work With Another Person
Too many people attempt to handle tasks on their own when they should really have another person with them to help. An overabundance of leaves in the yard should require two people so they can work together to carry the tarp with the debris and easily dispose of them. It is a better alternative than an individual dragging the raked pile by themselves and possibly twisting their body.
Cool Down
Just as rakers should warm up before tackling the leaves, they should also cool down. A few more stretches should get completed before putting away the rake for the day. Another short walk can help the body recuperate faster, as well. It is also ideal to follow up with a warm bath that will relax the body and help to ease any built-up tension.
It is always best to take any activity easy, whether it occurs during the fall or any other season. People who do experience strain or pain from raking or other fall tasks should seek the guidance of a chiropractor. Visit The Joint Chiropractic to get an assessment and see if the body needs an adjustment. Your chiropractor may also have advice on how to prevent the same injury from happening in the future.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in American Fork, Utah.