(ARA) - Oh, our achin’ backs. It’s no surprise that baby boomers who take care of the yard have plenty to complain about when it comes to aches and pains, including problems with backs, shoulders, arms, legs, hands and feet. And new research confirms what many of us know to be true — that yard care can be tough on the body, particularly for adults in the baby boomer generation.

A study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that the number-one lawn care injury among adults is pain from overstrain. And the number of injuries increased with age, peaking between ages 60 and 69, with adults ages 40 to 59 a close second.

“People tend to really overexert themselves,” says Vanessa Costilla, the study’s co-author. The good news? Experts say the majority of those backyard injuries are avoidable. “Using common sense is the top thing people need to remember when it comes to lawn mower safety,” Costilla says.

It’s becoming a bigger issue as baby boomers spend more time working in their yards. The Wall Street Journal even dubbed Boomers the “Mow Your Own generation,” for the growing number of empty-nesters and retirees opting to care for their own lawns and gardens.

No matter your age, taking steps now to put less strain on muscles and joints can help you avoid problems down the road. Here are four ways to help cut down on yard care’s stress and strain:

Know your limits. Simply put, don’t overdo it. People with a history of back or joint pain should think twice before overexerting themselves in the yard. And if you start to feel fatigued, take a break. “Know and respect your physical limitations,” advises Costilla.

Ask for help. The Johns Hopkins study found that a considerable number of people are injured while trying to lift their mowers. Never try to load, unload or move heavy equipment by yourself.

Choose body-friendly equipment. Use equipment that adjusts to the human body — rather than the other way around. “The mower you use can make a big difference in how your body feels after working in the yard,” says Joe Hager, senior engineer for mower manufacturer Lawn-Boy.

As part of the new-product development process, Hager and his colleagues studied homeowners using mowers in their yards, documented how they exerted energy and strained their bodies while mowing, and developed new features to help people avoid muscle or joint injury. The research has resulted in improvements to make mowing easier, including adjustable handles, ergonomic grips, advancements in the self-propel system, reduced mower weight and easy-turn wheels.

Use stand-up tools. Instead of getting down on your hands and knees to weed, plant or till, use ergonomic tools designed to let you take care of the yard and garden from a standing position. If you do need to get near the ground for occasional close-up work, use smartly designed hand tools and a padded garden kneeler with sturdy handles to make getting up and down easier.

This spring and summer, keep pain and strain to a minimum by using common sense and equipment that works with your body — not against it.

For more information, visit www.FindYourMower.com or www.lawn-boy.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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