GARDENWITHOUT BACK PAIN
Tips for Practicing Your Green Thumb Without Hurting Your Back
3. USE THE RIGHT TOOLS If you find yourself carrying heavy objects often, consider investing in a wheelbarrow. A lot of gardeners have been turning to elevated garden beds. These raised gardens make it easier on your back and knees, since you no longer have to bend or kneel while working. Plus, you have more control over the soil, which can result in healthier, more vibrant gardens. 4. ASK FORHELP If gardening leaves you with unbearable back pain, or if pre- existing pain is keeping you out of the garden, physical therapy may be able to help. Your physical therapist can help you come up with a treatment plan to relieve your back pain and teach you important stretches you can do at home to reduce your odds of experiencing back pain. Treatment can also help prevent similar injuries and keep you gardening for years to come. At Horizon PT, we’ve been able to help many patients overcome pain and continue enjoying beloved hobbies, including gardening! If you struggle with back pain, don’t hesitate to call us at 810-620-8042. Our team is here to help you— and your garden— grow and thrive.
Gardening is one of the highest-rated hobbies Americans enjoy. It allows opportunities for creativity, relaxation, and some much needed fresh air. Unfortunately, avid gardeners will know this great hobby also comes with some risks, especially lower back pain. Back pain from gardening and lawn care is easily addressed, but it can quickly become a chronic condition when left untreated. If you’re planting a garden this spring, here’s some advice for protecting your back. 1. DO SOME STRETCHES We don’t think of gardening as a form of exercise, but it does require a lot of movement and lifting with the whole body. Warm up your muscles with 10 minutes of light stretching before you get your hands dirty. This will help reduce your chances of pulling a muscle. Stretching when you’re done gardening can also keep your body from feeling sore the next day. 2. BE CAREFULWITH YOUR BODY It’s surprisingly easy to injure yourself while gardening. If you need to lift something heavy, like bags of soil, keep the objects close to your body and lift with your legs. Keep your movements smooth and avoid twisting around suddenly. Switch activities often to steer clear of repetitive-motion injuries, and if your body starts to feel stiff, take a break and stretch for a fewminutes.
Shrimp Sausage Skewers
Have a Laugh
Ingredients
Creole Seasoning Ingredients •
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1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/2 pound cooked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
2 tablespoons paprika
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1/2 tablespoon garlic powder 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
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1/2 tablespoon cayenne or chili powder
1/4 tablespoon dried oregano 1/4 tablespoon dried thyme
Directions
1. Heat your grill to medium high. 2. In a bowl, combine all ingredients for creole seasoning. 3. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, zucchini pieces, and sausage pieces, and cover them with the olive oil. 4. Add creole seasoning and mix well until all ingredients are covered. 5. Load up skewers with alternating pieces of shrimp, sausage, and zucchini until they’re full. 6. Grill skewers until shrimp are well-cooked (6–8 minutes).
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810-620-8042
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