According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest pumpkin ever grown weighed 2,323 pounds, which would obviously require heavy machinery to lift. But, have you noticed that the pumpkins in local pumpkin patches, the ones our neighbors and we buy to turn into spooky or silly Jack-O-Lanterns have been increasing in girth and weight these past few years? And, usually we lift them unaided by construction equipment, leading to the risk of back injury, which can be scary this time of year.
The team at SOS want you to enjoy the Halloween season and the carving and candy that come with it, and recommend the following when picking or purchasing your pumpkin:
- Pumpkins come in a variety of sizes; and many times, they look like they weigh less than they do. But, just because a pumpkin is a manageable size does not mean it's not dense and heavy.
- Don't just casually pick it up as if it were a basketball. To help determine how heavy it is before picking it up, gently try to move it with your foot. This will help you gauge if it's light enough to lift.
- Keep your spine straight. When lifting, most people naturally bend forward. This puts a lot of stress and pressure on your spine.
- Get as close as you can to the pumpkin. The farther away you are, the more you will have to bend forward to pick it up.
- Squat to lift. This will help keep your back straight.
- Use your legs to lift the pumpkin.
- Wrap your arms around the orange body of the pumpkin—not the stem. This will help evenly distribute the weight.
- Bring the pumpkin close to you, at waist height, as you slowly stand up.
- Don't hold the pumpkin for long periods of time.
- To gently lower the pumpkin in a wheelbarrow or trolley, squat down again. Do not bend forward.
- Finally, ask for help. Pumpkin patches don't run themselves; and there are employees available to assist you.
SOS hopes you have a safe, enjoyable Halloween season this year. If you are injured while seeking the perfect pumpkin, or during any other seasonal activity, see your doctor as soon as possible or visit SOS PLUS After Hours Care, a walk-in orthopedic medical clinic that treats patients of all ages with acute orthopedic conditions requiring immediate attention. SOS Plus has two locations, at 5719 Widewaters Parkway in Dewitt and 5000 West Seneca Turnpike in Onondaga Hill. Hours for both locations are weekdays 5 pm – 8:30 pm, and weekends 10 am – 2 pm.