  |
Yardwork Tips for the Summer! Here are some tips to protect your back and neck as your do yard work: Stretch Before You Work Without bouncing, for 10 to 15 minutes, do knee-to-chest pulls, trunk rotations, and side bends with your hands above your head and fingers locked. Take a short walk to stimulate circulation. When finished with the yard work, repeat the stretching exercises. This will protect your back by warming up the muscles before and after you use them. Weeding The worst thing you can do for your back is bending over at the waist, especially for long periods of time. You don’t want to be pulling weeds or planting flowers bending over at the waist while standing. I usually recommend that my patients kneel down with a mat that you can purchase at any hardware store or get a stool that you can sit on to weed or plant. This will protect your back from bending over for long periods of time. Lawn Equipment You also want to be careful using equipment like weed-eaters or blowers. You want to hold the tool as close to your body as possible and stand up as straight as you can. You don’t want to twist with your back either – move your feet as you move the blower or weed-eater. This will protect your back from the twisting motion which can often cause injury to a disc. Mowing When mowing, you want to use your whole bodyweight to push the mower, rather than your arms and back. Try to stand up as straight as possible and keep the handlebar close to your stomach. You don’t want to be bending over at the waist and pushing the mower with your arms extended straight out in front of you. If your mower has a pull cord, don’t twist at the waist or yank the cord. Instead, bend at the knees and pull in one smooth motion. Also, keep your head up as your mow. Raking When raking, use ‘scissors’ stance: right foot forward and left foot back, reverse after a few minutes, putting your left foot forward and right foot back. You also want to keep your head up as you rake so you don’t get a kink in your neck. Lifting As you pick up piles of grass or leaves, do not bend at the waist. Make the piles small to decrease the possibility of back strain while doing yardwork. If you do feel soreness or stiffness in your back after yardwork, use ice to soothe the discomfort. If there is no improvement in two or three days, see Dr. Chudy! |
Product of the Month: Standard ProcessHemp Oil Complex Hemp Oil Complex provides 15 mg of phytocannabinoids and supports the endocannabinoid system and the body’s natural inflammatory response function in softgel form.*Provides a 3-in-1 benefit for the whole body: supporting the endocannabinoid system, inflammation response resolution pathways, and endogenous anti-oxidant pathways*Contains 15 mg phytocannabinoidsSupports the body’s natural inflammatory response function*Ingredients that provide antioxidant activity*Non-genetically engineered hempGluten-freeCombination of natural omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPACalamari oil certified sustainable from the independent nonprofit group Friend of the Sea®Good source of magnesium* More Hemp Oil Info Essential Oil of the Month: Citrusbliss$21/15mloriginally $26Description This Invigorating Blend of Wild Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Red Mandarin, Green Mandarin, Lime, with a touches of Litsea, Tonka Bean, and Vanilla Absolute is joy in a bottle. Diffuse Citrus Bliss anywhere to help create a positive atmosphere oruse as an inspiring personal aroma. In addition, Citrus Bliss, rich in limonene, has potent cleaning properties and, when mixed with water, makes a powerful surface cleaner. Uses Diffuse for an uplifting aroma. Put one drop on your wrist and rub both wrists together for a great everyday personal aroma. Add one to two drops to dryer sheets to add a refreshing aroma to your laundry. Mix with a carrier oil for a cheerful hand massage. Primary Benefits Provides a fresh, uplifting aroma Creates a positive, invigorating atmosphere More Citrusbliss Info |