Here are some general safety tips to help protect you and prevent injury:
• Warm up for at least 10-15 minutes before you begin any physical activity. A good example would be walking around or doing gentle stretches;
• Use the proper tools and equipment and make sure they are in good working condition;
• Wear supportive and protective gear, such as eye protection, masks, clothing, gloves and shoes, etc.;
• When lifting, always bend at the hips and knees, never at the waist or back. Remember: lift with your legs, not your back, even when picking-up lighter items. Hips and knee joints are designed for repetitive bending- your back is not;
• Stay hydrated by drinking water or herbal tea - avoid caffeine such as black tea, coffee, and pop and sugary drinks, such as juices and pop;
• Take adequate brakes – give your body a chance to rest for a few minutes when doing physical tasks;
• Change your chores every 15 minutes or so to avoid overstraining one part or side of your body. Strains like this can lead to repetitive motion injuries.
• Cool down by taking a 15 minute walk, some gentle stretches, or even yoga.
If you do experience some type of muscle strain or a minor injury you can use an ice pack and take an ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory). First, make sure you do not have any adverse reactions to the medication (read the label) and rest for a while. However, if you have suffered more serious injuries, be sure to immediately call your general health care practitioner to prevent your state from worsening. Lower back pain is caused by minor injuries such as muscle strains, sprains, or a pinched or irritated nerve. Doing tasks around the house and yard / garden can cause any of these injuries, if not done properly.
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