Real Estate Advertorial Safe and effective ways to clean up leaves Removing leaves from the yard is a task that homeowners must perform each fall. Thousands upon thousands of leaves can drop from a single tree. Multiply that by the number of trees on a property, and it's no surprise the task of leaf cleanup can seem so daunting. Furthermore, not all leaves are shed at the same time, so several cleanup ses- sions may be necessary before the last leaf is banished from the yard. Just like removing snow, leaf cleanup can be a taxing job if done by hand. For people unaccustomed to exercise, cleaning up leaves can turn into quite a workout. According to the Discovery Health Calorie Counter, raking leaves for one hour can burn nearly 292 calories. Shoulders and arms will feel the burn. Raking leaves is considered moderate physical activity, similar to brisk walking. Those who find themselves straining or out of breath should take a break, and these tips also make the job safer and easier. · Wear layers when cleaning up leaves. It may be cool at first, but it's easy to work up a sweat after raking for awhile. Layers can be peeled off so as not to get over- heated or risk hypothermia from sweating in chilly temps. · Pay attention to your posture while raking. James Weinstein, chairman of the Department of Orthopedics at Dartmouth Medical School, recommends forming a wide base with the feet and holding the rake slightly toward the end of the handle with one hand three-quarters of the way down the handle from the other. Do not twist the spine; move your entire body. Avoid overuse of muscles on one side of the body by switching sides periodically. · Do not try to rake or blow leaves on windy days. Wind will only make the task that much more difficult, which could lead to overworking oneself. · Avoid overfilling bags. For those who plan to mulch and bag leaves, re- member that compressed leaves can get heavy pretty quickly. Do not over-fill bags, as they can be hard to move or bring to a recycling center. Using a leaf blower to push leaves into piles will reduce the strenuous- ness of the task, but leaf blowers can be heavy and noisy and gas-powered blowers can produce a considerable amount of ex- haust. Raking leaves can be quite a chore. It is important that homeowners take steps to prevent injury while cleaning up leaves in their yards. (MCC) in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, O ct ob er 29 ,2 02 0 | 18 OF THE WEEK AnitA SullivAn, Broker: 905-466-4900 And MAtt SullivAn, SAleS repreSentAtive: 905-580-9196 • Royal lePage Real estate seRvices ltd., BRokeRage Wendy saundeRs 289-242-9422 • kim saxton 292-242-4227 • Johnston and daniel 2120 Blyth CresCent $3,749,000 OutstandingQuality andCraftsmanship Spectacular one-of-a-kind custom-built home with luxurious finishes in coveted Southeast Oakville location & steps to Lake Ontario. This executive family home with stunning curb appeal sits on a large, private pool sized lot featuring professional landscaping and gorgeous flagstone patio. The fabulous gourmet kitchen is the heart of the home boasting customBella cabinetry, an oversizedwaterfall island with Quartzite counter, top of the line appliances and walk-in pantry. The magnificent great room is open concept to the kitchen with soaring 20' ceiling and amazing stone fireplace and floor to ceiling windows. Featuring two master bedrooms and 3 additional bedrooms all with private ensuites and walk-in closets. Finished lower level and 4 car tandem garage. A truly outstanding home. Home SOLDSULLIVANREAL ESTATE