Fall Chores Spark Safety Advice From Orthopaedi...( ROSEMONT Ill. Sept. 22 -...),Health

ROSEMONT, Ill., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It's that time of year again and the fall season has begun. As each changing season brings its own set of activities and chores, families start thinking about outdoor yardwork. From raking leaves, to mowing lawns and using ladders, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) offers outdoor safety advice to make sure your autumn clean-up is as safe and injury-free as possible.

• According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2008, about 617,000 people were injured due to rakes, other outdoor garden supplies and ladders alone.
  

"Many people work vigorously in the yard during the autumn season and it often takes a toll on your body," stated Laurence Laudicina, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine and spokesperson for the AAOS. "Raking leaves and cleaning out the gutters are popular seasonal chores and can lead to falls or strain to your back and upper body," he added.

Rakes and Pains

Orthopaedic surgeons and the AAOS recommend:

• Warming up for at least 10 minutes with some stretching and light exercise.
• Using a rake that is comfortable for your height and strength. Wearing gloves or using a rake with padded handles can prevent blisters.
• Keeping your vision free of impediment, such as hats or scarves and being aware of large rocks, low branches, tree stumps or uneven surfaces.
• Varying your movement, alternating your leg and arm positions often, and when picking up leaves, bend at the knees, not the waist.
• Wearing shoes or boots with slip-resistant soles because wet leaves can be slipp
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