Raking Safely

As the leaves turn colors and fall in Nitro, we at the Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center hope everyone knows how to rake safely. While we’re happy to provide chiropractic maintenance, we see a lot of preventable injuries here, so we thought it would be a good idea to give patients some tips.

Before you start raking, you need to be sure you have the right clothing and equipment. The rake should be light but have a long enough handle for you to use it without stooping down. Your clothes should be form-fitting, with no dangling accessories, but also be lightweight and breathable. You’ll need close-toed shoes that provide arch support and have slip-resistant soles. If you have long hair, don’t forget to tie it back.

Before you start any vigorous activity, you should do a five-minute warm-up that moves your limbs while pumping blood into them. As you rake, stand with your feet in a scissor-position without locking your knees. You’ll need to switch which hand is higher about every five minutes. Only attempt to move leaves when they’re dry, or else they will be too heavy. Test the bag to see whether you can lift it comfortably as you are filling it, and remember to lift by pushing up with your legs.

Dr. Jay McClanahan operates the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 642 Cross Lanes Drive, Nitro, West Virginia, 25143. To schedule an appointment, visit Dr J Back Doc WV or call 304-776-1520.