Health Tip: When Gardening Triggers Back Pain

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(HealthDay News) -- Gardening is a great form of exercise, but it can also leave you with a painful backache.

The American Council on Exercise suggests how to garden without hurting yourself:

• Use correct posture and form.
• Warm up before you garden with a 10-minute walk.
• Make sure all of your movements are smooth and steady.
• Keep your abdominal muscles taut.
• Lift with your legs (never your back).
• Don't twist your back while digging.
• Breathe regularly. Exhale when you lift, and inhale as you lower a heavy load.

-- Diana Kohnle

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