Gardening isn’t an Olympic sport (yet), but it can be a physical if not strenuous outdoor activity. But because gardening is seen as a leisure pastime instead of a sport, people just go out and do it with little thought to taking steps to avoid preventable injuries. Here are a few tips to stay safe and healthy.
There’s a lot of digging, pulling, walking, grasping and lifting when gardening. Obviously, these activities involve muscles. You wouldn’t think of going for a run or working out without stretching – gardening shouldn’t be any different. Stretching can increase your range of motion, relaxes muscles and protects joints, ligaments and tendons. Focus on your legs, arms, back and neck. And as my mother always warned, “lift with your knees, not with your back.”
Gardening is an outdoor activity, usually when it’s sunny and warm. Drink water to stay hydrated. Avoid the noon sun (noon to 2 p.m.) if you can. Early in the day and late afternoon are the best gardening times. But if you have to work when it’s hot, at least try gardening in the shade and limit your time outside. Wear a hat to protect your brain from overheating. Early signs of sunstroke include sudden dizziness and weakness; sudden headache; little or no sweating; hot and dry skin; and a rapid heartbeat. More severe symptoms include muscle cramping, vomiting and coma. If you experience the early symptoms, move to a cooler location, drink a cool sweet, salty beverage (e.g. sports drink) and remove restrictive, tight clothing. Seek immediate medical treatment for more severe conditions.
Slather on the sunscreen (high SPF) to prevent sunburns, accelerated skin aging and skin cancers. Wearing sunscreen is just as important when it’s overcast and cooler as enough UV rays pass through the clouds to cause significant burns.
With the introduction of West Nile virus in Saskatchewan, it has become important to protect yourself from mosquitoes, especially in July, August and early September when the main carrier (Culex tarsalis) is most active and in high numbers. Protect yourself by covering up, wearing a repellent containing DEET, icardin or oil of lemon eucalyptus and eliminating mosquito friendly habitat (e.g. long grass, standing water, open water barrels) around your yard.
Many athletes wear protective equipment of one type or another. Gardeners should be no different. Leather gloves protect the hands from cuts from sharp tools (e.g. pruners) and spiny plants. Loose, light-coloured clothing allows for proper blood flow and keeps you cool as well as provides protection from insect bites, the sun and accidental exposure to plants that may cause skin irritations. Bare skin contact with gas plant (Dictamnus albus) leaves, flowers and seed pods can cause blistering; brushing against junipers and Colorado spruce can cause rash-like symptoms. When pruning or weeding near shrubs and other pokey plants, wear eye protection. Eye protection is also important when using a weed whacker and other power equipment. Also, think of your feet when mowing – avoid sandals. It is best to wear leather boots.
When applying pesticides, follow label instructions for both application rate and protective gear. At a minimum, wear pants, long sleeves, chemical resistant gloves (e.g. nitrile) and rubber boots (not leather). Close doors and windows. Keep pets and children away during application. Stay out of treated area for recommended period.
Gardening is not all danger. In fact, gardening is considered a therapeutic hobby with many physical, emotional, mental and social benefits. And not only is a beautifully landscaped and maintained yard a hallmark of a being a good citizen, it can also substantially increase your property value. So stay safe, relax and enjoy both the gardening and the garden itself.
Announcements
GardenLine is open for the season to solve your garden problems: 306-966-5865; gardenline@usask.ca
This column is provided courtesy of the Saskatchewan Perennial Society (www.saskperennial.ca; hortscene@yahoo.com). Check out our Bulletin Board or Calendar for upcoming garden information sessions: Hortweek @ University of Saskatchewan (July 4 - 12, http://ccde.usask.ca/gardening/hortweek), Saskatoon garden tour (July 12).
