KEEP THE SPRING IN YOUR GARDEN

If the warmer weather is calling you to get gardening, take a moment to think how you’re reaching for those troublesome weeds. UK scientists mapped the motions of gardeners in action, then measured the amount of pressure that various positions put on their bones and joints. They found that a deep forward bend at the waist and fully extended limbs increases the load on the lower back by 50 percent and doubles shoulder pressure, compared with the better technique of bending at the knees. Repeated pressure on these regions contributes to chronic pain and raises the risk of injury and osteoarthritis. So next time you head out with secateurs in your hand, bend those knees.