American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Offers Tips to Prevent Injuries Throughout the Home This Spring; Avoid Spring Cleaning Spills.

ROSEMONT, Ill. -- As the weather becomes warmer, people start preparing their homes and yards for the spring and summer seasons. Projects such as yard work, cleaning and painting become priorities on the to-do list. However, thousands of orthopaedic injuries occur each year as a result of mishaps around the house. That is why the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) urges people to take the proper safety precautions to reduce the number of spring cleaning-related accidents.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were more than 547,000 ladder-related injuries, nearly 12,000 raking-related injuries and approximately 221,000 lawn mowing-related injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms, doctors' offices and clinics in 2004. Frequent injuries include cuts, bruises and fractured bones.

"Many spring cleaning injuries occur when people rush or do not follow the proper safety precautions," explained Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, orthopaedic surgeon specializing in trauma, Fellow of the AAOS and member of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association. "Because most injuries are preventable, it is important to use the appropriate equipment for each project and take your time to minimize spring cleaning-related accidents."

Because orthopaedic surgeons not only treat, but try to prevent injuries of the bones, joints and muscles, the AAOS recommends the following guidelines for spring cleaning projects:

--Stretch and perform proper warm-ups prior to starting clean-up projects around the home, such as painting or gardening.

--Proper techniques for lifting, carrying and bending should be part of any spring cleaning project:

--Separate your feet, shoulder-width apart and bend at the knees while tightening the stomach muscles.

--Lift with your leg muscles as you stand up; don't try to lift any object by yourself if it is too heavy or an awkward shape.

--Use a step stool instead of furniture - such as a couch or dining room chair - when dusting hard to reach areas.

--Ladders used for chores - such as washing windows, painting, cleaning gutters and trimming trees - should be placed on a firm, level surface. Never place a ladder on ground or flooring that is uneven, soft or wet.

--Over-reaching or leaning too far to one side when working on a ladder can also make you lose your balance and fall. Your bellybutton should not go beyond the sides of the ladder.

--Don't twist your body when raking. Make sure to use your legs to shift your weight and switch sides often.

--When using a lawnmower for the first time each season, have it serviced to ensure it's working properly. Never try to dislodge dirt or grass from the lawnmower while the machine is running. It is also important to wear shoes that fully cover the feet when mowing the lawn.

--Never use lawn and garden equipment in damp or wet conditions.

--When gardening, avoid prolonged repetitive motions during activities such as digging, planting trimming and pruning. It is also important to wear gloves to reduce blistering and protect the skin.

--Properly store equipment - including hoses, gardening tools, rakes, lawn mowers and ladders - after use to avoid tripping.

--Read product labels for proper use and wear protective clothing and gloves when using chemicals for gardening or cleaning. Store all chemicals - at the appropriate temperature, which is usually indicated on the package - in a place that is out of reach of both children and pets.

--Take frequent breaks and replenish fluids to prevent dehydration. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath or other signs of a heart attack, seek emergency care, such as by calling 9-1-1.

For additional injury prevention tips and information, please visit the Academy's public and patient education Web site, Your Orthopaedic Connection (www.orthoinfo.org), or call the Public Service Line at 800-824-BONES.

An orthopaedic surgeon is a physician with extensive training in the diagnosis and non-surgical as well as surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.

With more than 29,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (www.aaos.org) or (www.orthoinfo.org) is the premier not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals, champions the interests of patients and advances the highest quality musculoskeletal health. Orthopaedic surgeons and the Academy are the authoritative sources of information for patients and the general public on musculoskeletal conditions, treatments and related issues. An advocate for improved patient care, the Academy is participating in the Bone and Joint Decade (www.usbjd.org) - the global initiative in the years 2002-2011 - to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health, stimulate research and improve people's quality of life.

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