We all have hobbies of some sort, from painting, to knitting, to home renovation. Every hobby has inherent risks - many that you might never think of.

When you set out to work on your hobby this summer, be aware of a few of the things that could cause you problems later, such as: repetitive motion, awkward joint positions, pressure on the joints, and prolonged and constrained postures.

Many hobbies require manual dexterity; be careful when using your hands frequently, as overuse can aggravate existing arthritis, cause carpel tunnel syndrome, or cause you to develop tendonitis. Here are a few tips to help you prevent injury and allow you to work longer:

• Take frequent breaks. Make sure you rest a couple of times each hour.
• Listen to your pain. If something starts to hurt, stop what you're doing.
• Stretch. Make sure to stretch the muscles you plan to use before you start.
• Practice good posture and proper technique to prevent injuries down the road.

Enjoy working on your favorite hobby this summer, and put yourself in a position to work on it for years to come - be safe, smart, and prevent injuries!