Spring is officially here and it is just about time to head outside for the proverbial spring cleaning. Did you know spring cleaning can lead to many different injury issues? So, as you prepare for the clean up, lets take a moment to learn how to accomplish the task safely.

An important thing to keep in mind during your spring cleaning is you are not as young as you used to be. This means you likely cannot handle the same physical stress you once did. (And there is nothing wrong with that).

To begin with, if you have a large area to clean, consider tackling the clean up in smaller pieces vs all at once.  This is important, especially if you may not be in the best of shape. In regards to shape, this could be physical strength/flexibility, you have balance concerns, or AND maybe most importantly your heart health is in question. There is no point to making your yard and flower beds look nice if you have a heart attack while doing it.

You may be asking yourself, what is the problem here? In the end it is not the total volume of work to be done or even the type of work necessarily…It is in the manner in which the person chooses to complete the task. Meaning, by not taking breaks the person risks stressing their body beyond the limit it can handle. The result? Some injury or trip to the doctor or ER.

So…Lets review the most common issues with spring cleaning and attempt to prevent them this year.

1. Back injuries- These are very common due to the repetitive nature of cleaning. The frequent bending/twisting/lifting is where people can develop these issues. It is not the first 10 bend/lifts, it is when you are doing say 500 in a short time frame. Again..the likelihood will increase if you are not “in shape.” How to avoid– limit frequent bending/twisting to pick things up, especially if heavy. Make sure when you do lift, lift from in front of you and not also twisting. And if you feel it is too heavy, get some help. Also as you get tired injuries are more likely to occur…so take breaks or plan to do a little each day. Often it is not the day of cleaning that people hurt, it is the days after where these folks will make trips to the medical system.
2. Shoulder injuries- This body part is often injured due to yanking and repeated movements. To avoid issues– cut up roots before attempting to yank them out of the ground. When raking or trimming bushes try to change up which arm is doing the most work. That burning feeling you get in your arm from repeated activity is the muscle asking for a break because it is tired. By pushing through, fatigued muscles are more likely to become sore later that day or the next.
3. Falls- These tend to happen when working on uneven ground, especially when tired. If you have any balance concerns, make sure to be mindful of your footing. Be mindful on ladders or step stools; they increase fall risk. Also make sure to break when tired. You are more likely to fall when fatigued and your attention is not as great. There is no need sustain any injury from falling…a sure fire way to ruin the rest of spring and maybe summer depending on the severity of injury. If worried- hire someone to do it for you.
4. Cardiac events- Time to consider your physical health. Have you had a regular check-up with your doctor? Has a doctor expressed concerns about your heart health or put you on medication(s) for blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes? If so, then you really need to pay attention. You body is obviously not in tip-top shape and so taking your time with physical activity is advised. That is not to say you can’t, just you need to pay more attention to your body. You must take those breaks, stay hydrated, and above all do not attempt to accomplish everything in one day especially if your property is large. Again, no need to end up in the ER with a heart issue from spring cleaning.

Spring is HERE, time to clean up. Do you have concerns for your ability to handle your yard clean-up? If so, then you are perfect for a Discovery Session to learn how to avoid those spring cleaning issues this year. You would also be the perfect person for a Discovery Session if you sustain an injury cleaning your yard and don’t know what to do next. Don’t wait and have a small injury ruin the rest of your spring and summer.