Raking leaves may be a pain, but it shouldn’t be one literally. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has these pointers for safe raking:

¢ Warm up at least 10 minutes with light exercise and stretching, especially when it’s cold outside. Stretch again after raking to relieve tension and prevent soreness.

¢ Use a rake that feels comfortable for your height and strength. Wear gloves or use a rake with a padded handle to prevent blisters.

¢ Avoid using old rakes that are rusty or have loose or broken parts.

¢ Vary your movements, alternating your leg and arm positions often. When picking up leaves, bend at the knees, not the waist.

¢ Wear shoes or boots with slip-resistant soles, and be careful when walking on wet leaves.

¢ Don’t overfill leaf bags, especially if the leaves are wet. You should be able to carry bags comfortably.