By Peter De Keles

Author  Bio I'm sure all of us are making a list of what we need to do after spring's arrival. Ballasting, weeding, planting, moving heaven and earth. My question is, What are you doing to get "YOU" ready for spring?

I'm sure all of us are making a list of what we need to do after spring's arrival. Ballasting, weeding, planting, moving heaven and earth. My question is, What are you doing to get "YOU" ready for spring?

Editing the Tuesday topics has given me an insight to some common threads about working on Garden Railroads. When we talk about working, knees and backs come up as common victims of Garden Railroading. I'm writing this with my leg up on a chair, recovering from last week's knee surgery. This past 18 months of retirement has been one of body repair after abusing my body for the People of the State of California.

So what can we do to get ready? Well, that's really up to you. Some may say it's too late, some may say I'm fine and some may say OK, good idea. So I'm speaking to you that think it's "too late" or are "too fine". (My "good idea" people are going to listen no matter what).

We love garden railroading. So why not put forth a little effort so that we can enjoy what we do a little longer. Makes sense right? Taking better care of ourselves so we can take better care of our railroads. So what do we do about it? I will give you some general information, some tips and you implement it. Easy and it's free, my family motto "Goodius es Freeous" which mean "Free is Good" History
Let's look at your knee. Knee pain is the most common musculoskeletal complaint that brings people to their doctor. The knee joint's main function is to bend, straighten, and bear the weight of the body. The knee also twists and rotates. The knee is made up of a number of structures including bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage that allow the knee to perform its function.

Ligaments are dense fibrous bands that connect bones to each other. Tendons are fibrous bands similar to ligaments but tendons connect muscles to bones. Cartilaginous structures called menisci provide cushioning for the knee joint. Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that help to cushion the knee.

Inflammation is the body's response to an injury. Inflammation continues unless you do something to break the cycle. Home care of inflammation is simple. Probably the hardest part is actually allowing your body to rest and heal. How do you take care of inflammation? ICE
A common mnemonic is ICE. It stands for Ice, Compression and Elevation.

• Ice your knee 20-30 minutes, 3 times a day.
• Compression using an ACE bandage or other device helps reduce the swelling and keeps your knee aligned.
• Elevation helps reduce swelling. It allows built up fluid to flow back into the circulatory system.

I've also seen P & R added to ICE to give us PRICE. P is for protection, such as knee pads. R is for rest. Of course that is our worst enemy. Nothing will get done if we rest right? But you won't get better without it.

After a day in the garden, get a frozen bag of vegetables out of the freezer, prop your leg up, ice your knee with the veggies, relax and watch a show. After the show, cook the veggies as part of your healthy dinner. Simple.

Seeking Help
When do you call your doctor? With any medical emergency you feel is life threatening always call 911. With a knee injury that doesn't allow you to bear weight, an Emergency Room visit may be in order. Chronic knee pain that isn't relived by the PRICE method after a week deserves a call to your doctor.

The number one reason people told me they didn't get their medical condition checked was because they thought it would get better by itself. Unfortunately it didn't get better and they ended up with me and 5 guys tromping through their house and then having to spend time with me in the back of my ambulance on the way to the ER. Prevention
What can be done to prevent knee problems? My knee problem was related to years of abuse at work. Some are related to sport injuries. Some of the problems are just related to time. Parts wear out.

So what am I doing to prevent further injury? First is Protection, Tools and common sense; knee pads, moving slower, thinking before I do something (not easy). Besides knee pads what other tools are there that can help you?

The Arthritis Foundation (AF) created the Ease-of-Use Commendation Program to encourage manufacturers to design user-friendly products and packaging that could be recommended to the millions of people living with arthritis. So where possible, look for the AF Ease-of-Use Seal.
Here is the link to the AF Ease of Use section: Ease-of-Use Website

I looked around the Internet and found some interesting tools and sites for easier garden work. I selected my top 5 picks. There are a lot of companies out there that want your money. But I'm not worried because I don't believe there are many of us that spend our money foolishly. (No matter what In-Laws and Ex-wife's say).

HGTV.com Website - HGTV.com

BIONIC GLOVES Bionic Glove Website I ALWAYS remember to put on my gloves after I hurt myself. Although these gloves seem pricey, I go through a pair of the cheap ones after a day of working. After my hand surgery last November, I'm looking at this type of glove more seriously. "Top-grade, supple cabretta leather and added padding on the palm helps provide enhanced durability. Anatomical relief pads even the surface of the hand to naturally promote a lighter, more secure grip."

FISKARS TOOLS Fiskars Tools Website Thirteen of their PowerGear garden tools have been awarded the Ease-of-Use Commendation by the Arthritis Foundation. I can agree because I own a pair of their lopers. I have abused them because I'm too lazy to go back to the shed and grab the saw. Good news is my new house only has 3 small, trees. So my Fiskars will last awhile. "17 new garden tools and a variety of planting accessories, including eco-friendly planters. These are sure to make your days in the sun more productive and pleasurable. Dig in!"

GARDEN SEAT Garden Seat by Gardman- Sears Website My knees said "Ahhh" when they saw this garden tool. Knee pads on steroids. It folds flat for compact storage. There are other ones on the market but these seemed to be sturdier. It also can be used upside down for a handy garden seat with tool storage. Which made another part of my body happy too.

GARDEN ROCKER Vertex Garden Rocker: Vertex Website Video from DIY Network on the Vertex Rocker: DIY Website This seat looks great for gardening or doing some trackwork or putting trains on the track. It will help reduce stress on lower back and knees and it has a 350 pound weight limit. Get a firsthand look by going to the DIY website for a video. "Patented curved base provides a full range of motion and lets you move comfortably in the direction you need to go. Comfort is further enhanced with the contoured seat and adjustable height."

THE WEDGIE WEDGIE Website Here's something simple. This little guy is supposed to help you plant easier. This arthritis-friendly tool is being praised by arthritis sufferers and time-pressed gardeners everywhere. I can see your do-it-yourself design wheels spinning already"If you've experienced the mess and aggravation of digging out dirt and trying to figure out where to move it next when planting flower boxes, container gardens... your problem is solved."

What else can you do for yourself?

First was Protection and Tools.

Second, Losing weight.
Losing weight reduces the amount of pressure that your knees have to bear. It also reduces blood pressure and helps prevent heart disease.

Don't have high blood pressure? People who do not have high blood pressure at age 55 face a 90 percent chance of developing it during their lifetime.

Third, not doing it all in one day.
Consistently overworking and lack of sleep or rest all lead to joint problems. Overworking will cause too much trauma in the joint that will accumulate over time and result in either osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendonitis or even a full tear. Significant Emotional Event
I could write every day for the rest of my life how I have seen thousands of people's lives change in an instant. These "Instants" became these people and families "Significant Emotional Event" (SEE). It seems that change is effected when a SEE occurs in one's life.

Why do we wait for a SEE to occur before we make a change in our life? Just easier to ignore without it; no motivation otherwise; didn't see it coming?

So let's not take a "wait and SEE" attitude. Make a small change today and follow through. We have a great support group at LSOL.com when it comes to Railroading. Why not use that support to help each enjoy our hobby even longer.

Let me know if you think a LSOL.com area about health and fitness would interest you? Or why not? If you want to keep LSOL.com pure and true to trains that's great. Of course any emails will be confidential and I have no feelings left that can be hurt.

knees

Great article Peter. I always knee pads in the garden, or wear my contractor pants with knee pads in them. I think we forget we need to excersize more and be more active. We can get so engrossed in getting things done in railroad we forget we should take of ourselves. Another good article would be back issues and prevention of back pain. Gary

Gary Condry - 03/10/2010 - 07:08

Knee Surgery

Yes, take care of your knees because surgery is not successful 100% of the time. My knee replacement did not work out and I only have ~50% mobility now; kneeling down is no longer an option for me. So take the preventative route before surgery becomes a necessity and you may continue to enjoy the outdoor aspect of the hobby.

Rick Henderson - 03/10/2010 - 07:31

Knees

Two years ago I broke my knee cap in a fall! I'm much more aware of my surroundings now, and very cautious around potentially slippery floors. The worst part was the immobility during recovery. Not being able to bend the knee meant no driving, no kneeling, and very painful attempts to sit on the ground. So no outdoor railroading. I managed the Arizona Convention OK, and have since recovered all my (rapidly dimininshing anyway) flexibility. Take care of your knees and you'll have a lot more fun in your (garden and) railroad!

Richard - 03/10/2010 - 08:21

Great Job!

Terrific article Pete. Great idea! We all need a little positive reenforcement, from time to time, especially with regard to the things we tend to take for granted, like our own personal health and safety. The product suggestions are spot on also.

Roland "DOC" Smith - 03/10/2010 - 18:13

Healtier Gardening

Peter, I was a flooring installer for over 7 years and kid people that I have built in knee pads with the thick callus that formed. I too still keep a pair of contractor's jeans with the doubled up knee area for working in the yard. My problems lean to lower back pain(2 collapsed disc) and being over weight. If you come with with motivational stimulus for weight lose please pass it along...

Ron Selliers - 03/10/2010 - 18:30

Getting you ready

Great article Peter. This is information we all could use. I suffer from back pain from my years as a Contractor so I have learned from my doctor that a little stretching and simple low impact excersises can really reduce the pain and chance of reinjury. Now if you could find a way for me to take heed in what he said and do them everyday maybe I would not have hurt my back again. I promise to do better this year, maybe lose some weight too.

Jerry Madsen - 03/10/2010 - 22:47

knees

An important subject. I am aware of much of my body not functioning as it used to. I have always believed that keeping the muscles around the joints toned will counteract the effects of joints failing. So I work out in the gym giving special attention to those muscles around my knees and lower back.

Merle Blasjo - 03/13/2010 - 23:40

knees

An important subject. I am aware of much of my body not functioning as it used to. I have always believed that keeping the muscles around the joints toned will counteract the effects of joints failing. So I work out in the gym giving special attention to those muscles around my knees and lower back.

Merle Blasjo - 03/13/2010 - 23:41

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