Sports and Leisure: I Don’t Like Spiders and Snakes: Autumn Chores

Spiders, snakes and various insects may be lurking under the blanket of autumn leaves. This is a minor hazard associated with autumn chores. Nonetheless, stay alert, wear gloves and protective clothing and get first aid care if you are bitten.

A more obvious hazard associated with outdoor chores, would be the sudden physical demand of a strenuous activity such as raking and bagging leaves. This is similar to the seasonal exertion brought about by shoveling snow. Autumn yard chores from raking leaves to cleaning out eaves-troughs, include twisting, reaching, bending, lifting and carrying.

Here are a few tips to avoid injury:

Take it easy. To avoid muscle aches and pains, pace yourself and take breaks. If you experience chest pain or shortness of breath, seek medical attention.
Stretch and warm up before beginning and remember to bend the knees, keep the back in its natural curve without twisting and lift using your leg muscles.
Don’t overload the bag when bagging leaves, especially if the leaves are wet.
Use extension ladders with care. The Ontario Injury Compass claims that the highest number of hospitalizations from misuse of ladders, occurs in the months of October and November. Install ladders on firm, level surfaces and do not climb too high or stretch over to one side causing the ladder to tilt. Keep your body centered and maintain a firm grip.
If you are one of the population’s 15 percent of allergy-sufferers, consider wearing a dust mask to filter out allergens, molds and other contaminants. Avoid burning piles of leaves and avoid bringing your work clothes into the house. Remove and wash immediately.

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		Sports and Leisure: I Don’t Like Spiders and Snakes: Autumn Chores Spiders, snakes and various insects may be lurking under the blanket of autumn leaves. This is a minor hazard associated with autumn chores. Nonetheless, stay alert, wear gloves and protective clothing and get first aid care if you are bitten. A more obvious hazard associated with outdoor chores, would be the sudden physical demand of a strenuous activity such as raking and bagging leaves. This is similar to the seasonal exertion brought about by shoveling snow. Autumn yard chores from raking leaves to cleaning out eaves-troughs, include twisting, reaching, bending, lifting and carrying. Here are a few tips to avoid injury: Take it easy. To avoid muscle aches and pains, pace yourself and take breaks. If you experience chest pain or shortness of breath, seek medical attention. Stretch and warm up before beginning and remember to bend the knees, keep the back in its natural curve without twisting and lift using your leg muscles. Don’t overload the bag when bagging leaves, especially if the leaves are wet. Use extension ladders with care. The Ontario Injury Compass claims that the highest number of hospitalizations from misuse of ladders, occurs in the months of October and November. Install ladders on firm, level surfaces and do not climb too high or stretch over to one side causing the ladder to tilt. Keep your body centered and maintain a firm grip. If you are one of the population’s 15 percent of allergy-sufferers, consider wearing a dust mask to filter out allergens, molds and other contaminants. Avoid burning piles of leaves and avoid bringing your work clothes into the house. Remove and wash immediately. Return to top of page