Spring cleaning is great, but don’t hurt yourself

Spring cleaning is great, but don’t hurt yourself


Ah, spring cleaning.

After a long winter, many of us set out to spruce up our homes as the weather turns warm. From clearing out cluttered closets and washing windows to painting, gardening and lawn mowing, there are always plenty of tasks to tackle.

But use a little caution when you wave that washrag around. Plenty of injuries can occur during such cleaning sprees. In 2017 and 2018, more than 833,000 injuries sent Americans to hospitals and doctors’ offices just from climbing ladders and mowing their yards.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says it’s important to take precautions to reduce the likelihood of spring cleaning-related accidents.

Most injuries are preventable. Here are some ways to protect yourself:

When lifting something heavy, make sure to separate your feet shoulder-width apart, keep your back straight and bend at the knees. Also, lift with your legs, not with your back. You want to look like you’re starting from a squatting position, rather than bent at the waist. This will save you from unnecessary strain.

When using a ladder, place it on a firm, stable surface, never on wet grass or uneven pavement. When gardening, avoid repetitive motions, such as digging or hoeing, for too long.

Keep your lawn mower maintained. No need to throw your back out trying to get it started.

Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water to avoid getting dehydrated. If you feel short of breath or have chest pain, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Be good to yourself this spring and pack a little common sense along with your cleaning supplies and tools. You want to be sure you can enjoy a summer full of fun activities, all pain-free.

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