A Few Simple Tips Can Help Prevent Injury While Gardening
GULF BREEZE, Fla. (April 27, 2022) – As the weather warms, people are returning to the garden all over the Gulf Coast. While gardening can be relaxing, prolonged activity in squatting, kneeling or crouching positions can lead to aches and pains. Below are a few simple tips from Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine to stay injury-free while putting a green thumb to work.
- Stretch first: Gardening can be tough, physical work. “It’s important to warm up before any strenuous activity,” said David Chandler, M.D., MHL, an orthopaedic surgeon at Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. “A simple 10-minute walk, along with arm, leg and neck stretches can get the blood flowing and get the body ready to work, which can definitely help with injury avoidance.”
- Avoid overuse: Avoid prolonged static postures such as sitting or crouching which can cause difficulty in moving and may actually cause injury. Change posture or stand and walk around briefly every few minutes.
- Use good body mechanics: Many back injuries are the result of improper lifting. When carrying heavy objects, or pushing something heavy like a wheelbarrow, use the legs, not the back. Also, avoid bending, lifting and twisting together as this leads to injury. Always lift with the pelvis and shoulders aligned and turn with the feet rather than by twisting.
- Drink plenty of water: Working in the Gulf Coast sun, even in the Spring, can get hot, fast. That heat leads to sweating and dehydration becomes a serious threat unless fluids are replaced. In short, remember it’s not just the flowers and plants in the garden that need water.
Keeping these simple tips in mind throughout the Spring will help make sure the time spent in the garden is relaxing and fun. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Andrews Institute at 850.916.8700 or visit AndrewsInstitute.com
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For more information about this press release or to schedule an interview, please contact Christian Garman at 850.291.9888 or Christian.Garman@TheAndrewsInstitute.com.
About the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
Located minutes from Pensacola, Florida, in Gulf Breeze, Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine provides world-class care and service for the athlete in everyone. The institute features more than 30 physicians and medical experts providing best-in-class service in specialties ranging from orthopedics and sports medicine to joint care and neurosurgery and is accessible to everyone. It is the world’s only facility offering surgery, diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation and athletic performance training all on one campus. The one-of-a-kind center focuses on the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries while using the expertise of nationally and internationally renowned orthopedic surgeon James Andrews, M.D. Dr. Andrews is best known as physician to some of sport’s greatest professional athletes. For more information, visit www.AndrewsInstitute.com.
About Baptist Health Care
Baptist Health Care is a not-for-profit health care organization based in northwest Florida that is committed to helping people throughout life's journey. The organization is a proud member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. Baptist continuously strives to be a national leader in quality and service. Baptist Health Care includes three hospitals, four medical parks, Andrews Institute for Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine and a large network of primary care and specialty physicians. Baptist Health Care is one of the largest non-governmental employers in northwest Florida.
Baptist Health Care ● Baptist Hospital ● Gulf Breeze Hospital ● Jay Hospital ● Baptist Medical Parks Airport, Nine Mile, Navarre and Pace ● Andrews Institute ● Baptist Medical Group ● Baptist Heart & Vascular Institute
● Baptist Health Care Foundation ● Mayo Clinic Care Network
CONTACT BELOW IS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY
For more information about this press release or to schedule an interview, please contact Rachel Kaiser at 850.791.5254 or Rachel.Kaiser@bhcpns.org