Wear proper clothing. Long sleeves, long pants, a hat and gloves are imperative. This will help to lower the chance of skin cancer and will protect you from insects. A good dose of insect repellent should also be used. It is also important to note, that any sort of open cuts or sores should be covered while gardening because the soil may include contaminants that can enter your bloodstream.
Watch the Heat. Each year, hundreds of people suffer from heat stroke and heat exhaustion. This condition can be exasperated though medications used to combat diseases such as blood pressure and diabetes. This makes the elderly who are on these medications more susceptible to heat. To combat this, know your limitations. Keep yourself hydrated and take frequent breaks. Don’t over do it.
Stretch first. It may sound a bit foolish, but gardening is an exercise. You bend over, lift things, get down on the ground and use tools. It can wear and tear on a body and cause muscle strain. As with any exercise, you need to warm up your muscles before over exerting them.
Talk to your doctor. If you are over the age of 65, have any medical issues, or are disabled; you will want to consult your general practitioner to ensure that gardening is safe for you.
Each year, thousands of people develop minor and severe injuries while gardening. Don’t become a statistic. If you have any questions, contact Kabb Law at 216.991.KABB (5222).
