Experts spoke about the risks of long-term work in the country and ways to reduce them.

Since the beginning of the summer cottage season, Russians have been actively engaged in the maintenance of vegetable gardens and landscaping of household plots, which leads to an increase in injuries to the back, arms and other parts of the body. On June 29, Alexander Shelepov, a traumatologist, and an expert from the online hypermarket VseInstruments, told Izvestia about potential risks and methods of their prevention.<url>" Maxim Sokolov.

According to Shelepov, the back, neck, shoulders and wrists suffer the most from prolonged retention of tools. The reasons are repetitive movements, excessive strain on the arms and incorrect posture. This can lead to muscle strain and tendon inflammation, such as tendonitis. Problems can become chronic without preventive measures. The doctor recommended taking breaks every half hour to warm up.

"Well-designed equipment with an ergonomic shape reduces muscle tension. Lightweight materials and the correct length of the tool reduce the load on the arms and back and allow you to work in a comfortable position," the specialist added.

In turn, Sokolov noted the importance of ergonomic features of the instruments. Curved or telescopic handles help to find a comfortable grip angle, reducing stress on the lower back and arms. Anti-vibration pads reduce tension in the hands, and lightweight materials make it easier to work. It is also worth choosing tools with a D-shaped handle for a better grip.

"It is best to choose the length of the handle up to the shoulder or just below the chin. Too short a handle makes you slouch, and too long will not allow you to properly deploy the tool and effectively perform the work," the expert explained.

He added that the shape of the handle should be anatomical with a non-slip coating. It is important to consider weight and balance — the center of gravity should be closer to the palm of your hand. To choose a convenient online tool, Sokolov recommended reading reviews and watching videos, and filters on the site will help you choose the best option in terms of weight, material and price.

On May 20, it was reported that 56% of Russians surveyed perceive the cottage as a place of rest and "mental reboot." This figure is higher among residents of megacities — 65%. At the same time, older Russians (over 65) are less likely to perceive the cottage as a recreation area — only in 38% of cases. However, 40% said they did not go to the country at all.