More than four years ago I had a very tiny accident, but it changed my life forever. I stopped to help a stranger in need and ironically the end result was that I was the one with a nagging rib and back injury, one that just wouldn’t go away. After countless tests, therapies and treatments, I finally turned to a Chiropractor. Now I can say for me, seeing a Chiropractor on a regular basis has improved my quality of living! It’s taken a very long time, but I’m finally getting back to being the fun and active Mommy that I like to be. Rollercoasters, volleyball games, playing on the beach and yes even creating a garden, are all back on my list of possibilities. It’s so important to take care of yourself and your back!
Now I don’t have a green thumb, but those that do have been hard at work over the last month kneeling, planting, lifting, twisting, seeding and weeding to ensure their gardens are ready to grow. As a result, chiropractors tend to see more back injuries from poor positioning and lifting during springtime gardening. Did you know that improper gardening techniques can cause repetitive strain injuries of the wrist and elbow, and cause wear and tear on joints and muscles throughout the body?
This is why the Ontario Chiropractic Association is offering one lucky reader of How To Survive Life in the Suburbs a chance to win this fabulous Plant and Rake Without the Ache Tool Kit!
Valued at $100 this fabulous prize contains a garden tool bag filled with tools, a knee pad, water bottle and an assortment of seeds to help your garden grow!
Need tips on how to keep your back at it’s best? Be sure to follow the Ontario Chiropractic Association on Facebook and Twitter. (pst you should really check them out because this will provide you extra entries for this giveaway!)
Read these Tips from the Experts and then enter using the Rafflecopter form below!
As part of the Plant and Rake Without the Ache education campaign, the Ontario Chiropractic Association has the following tips for gardeners to help avoid unnecessary backyard back injuries this spring:
· Warm Up – Gardening is hard work! Make sure you stretch your thighs, shoulders, sides, arms, back and hamstrings before you start to get the most out of your gardening.
· Alternate – Switch from heavy tasks to light ones, and change your hands and positions frequently.
· Lift Light and Right – Always bend with your knees and keep a straight back. Carry the load close to your body.
· Kneel to Plant – Knee pads or a kneeling mat can help to ease the strain on your back while you plant and weed your garden. Keep a straight back and stop when you need to have a break.
· Rake Right – Put one leg in front and another behind when you rake, and alternate on occasion to minimize the back strain
Remember these tips when you head outside today! Please enter using the Rafflecopter form provided. Contest is open to Ontario Residents only and closes August 9, 2013.
Adina H. says
I use a kneeling mat when weeding or planting.
Happy Chinadoll says
Alternate. I do this often to make sure I switch around so I don’t injure myself.
Jennifer K. says
I lift light and right.
Karla Sceviour says
I Kneel to Plant 🙂
Andrew P says
https://twitter.com/apham17/status/361523620759076864
sarah stickney says
i sit on a little stool
Joy says
I always try to be conscientious when doings tasks like raking and bending and kneeling. And I take breaks when I get tired, and try not to twist in awkward positions.
Jenny says
Lift light and right
Andrew P says
https://twitter.com/apham17/status/361166005290012672
Jaimee M says
I always kneel to plant!
Lori JB says
I kneel on a foam pad when planting/weeding.
maria says
I kneel to plant
neha gupta says
the lighter tools makes your job easy
Nicole says
I switch from heavy tasks to light ones, and change positions frequently. I also use the right tools for the job!
Cheryl (@loucheryl) says
I kneel on a mat when I plant and I it makes SUCH a difference!