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Written by Angela Kessler
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Thursday, 22 May 2008 |
The folks at Heartland Rehabilitation Services are concerned about people participating in one of the most popular American hobbies: gardening.
I know I love to work in the garden, and depending on how much I do, my muscles will complain to me for the next few days.
According to a press release from Heartland, digging and cultivating large areas of gardens for just a few minutes can significantly boost your heart rate and blood pressure — with increases equivalent to those achieved while running to exhaustion on a treadmill.
“Even people who are completely healthy and in excellent physical condition are injured while gardening,” says Wendy Harlett, physical therapist of Heartland Rehabilitation Services.
Ms. Harlett offers these tips for safe gardening:
• If you have a history on heart trouble, speak to your physician before you begin working in the garden.
• Take the time to do some back stretches before you begin. This includes before mowing.
• Lift with your legs bent, not your back. Keep your back straight. By bending into the movement, you’ll keep your spine upright and less stressed. Your shoulders, torso and thighs can do the work for you.
• Don’t pick up too much potting soil or mulch at once. Scoop up half a shovel full or less, or purchase smaller, more manageable bags.
• If you have a bad back, consider having a raised “container” garden that allows you to sit or stand upright while you tend your plants.
• Rest frequently and wear sunscreen. And just like your plants, make sure you get enough to drink.
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