Sept. 27 (HealthDay News) -- Taking health and safety precautions when raking leaves, cleaning gutters and performing other outdoor chores can help prevent injuries, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
"Many people work vigorously in the yard during the autumn season, and it often takes a toll on your body," AAOS spokesman Dr. Laurence Laudicina, said in a news release from the academy. "Raking leaves and cleaning out the gutters are popular seasonal chores that can lead to falls or strain to your back and upper body."
In 2008 in the United States, about 617,000 people suffered injuries caused by rakes, other outdoor garden supplies and ladders, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission noted.
