Protecting Your Green Thumb
Featured April Article
Dr. Greg Baldy
Spring has sprung, flowers are blooming, grass is growing and birds are chirping. It’s time to get outside, do some yard work and enjoy the warm weather. However, there are many hazards you should be conscious of while tending to your yard and garden. Whether it has to do with the sun, poisonous plants or back-straining activity, follow these quick and easy tips to ensure you will be protected while working in the yard this season.
Use sunscreen. If spending time in the yard, it usually means you will be exposed to the sun; however, just because the sunshine is good for most plants, doesn’t mean it won’t burn your skin. Prevent yourself from burning by applying SPF 30 or higher, 30 minutes before going in the sun. Also, it is important to note that midday sun, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., is the strongest sunlight, so schedule yard activities for the morning or evening. If you must be outside during peak sun hours, take frequent breaks in the shade and stay hydrated.
Who’s doing the heavy lifting? To prevent a back injury while lifting bags of mulch or grass seed, lift with your legs, not your back. And if possible, carry the load in the space between your shoulder and waist, as this puts less strain on your back muscles. Try not to overdue work such as hoeing, tilling or planting. Overuse of muscles or the effects of remaining in one position too long show up when the damage is already done. Take frequent breaks and stretch often to prevent injuries. To head off muscle strains and neck cricks, make an appointment with your local licensed chiropractor.
Avoid poisonous plants. If pulling up weeds or clearing the yard and garden, be sure to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of poison oak, poison ivy and other poisonous plants. For example, poison ivy and poison oak both have “leaves of three,” so “let them be.” If you come into direct contact with a poisonous plant, rinse the area immediately with cold water to ensure you remove the poisonous oil from your skin. In addition, check with your doctor to see whether early treatment can prevent the rash before it starts.
Handle pesticides cautiously. Many injuries occur when chemicals are being mixed. Wear protective clothing, mix chemicals outdoors and stand upwind of the pesticide to avoid contaminating yourself. Be sure to follow directions carefully and have a poison control number around in the case of an emergency. To safeguard children and pets, always keep chemicals sealed in appropriate containers and locked in a shed or storage area when not in use.
Got allergies? Insects are a nuisance to everyone, but if you’re sensitive to them, an allergic reaction can wreak havoc on your day. If you experience symptoms such as breathing trouble, hives, tightness in the throat and/or nausea, seek medical care immediately. Additionally, keep an eye on the Air Quality Index, a standardized indicator developed by the EPA to rate the local air quality. If you have allergies, asthma or other medical sensitivities, take extreme caution on days labeled Code Orange, Code Red or higher.
Don’t bite off more than you can chew. When taking on a big yard project such as reseeding, building a deck or tilling up large acreage, don’t overdo it. Research landscape professionals or lawn care services and choose one that best fits your needs. Avoiding the hard labor allows you to experience the fun and challenge of planning, designing and tending to your dreams.
By following these guidelines to protect your green thumb, you can be sure to enjoy a safe, healthy and productive season in your yard. Not sure if you’re healthy enough for yard work? Visit your local Chiropractic Partners office to make sure you’re in shape for every project on your list.
