Your Garden... A Dangerous Place

When you think of gardening, you most likely think of quietly digging in the dirt and peacefully communing with nature.

Would you believe that gardening accidents are the result of numerous visits to emergency rooms throughout the United States every year?
You can ensure that your gardening experience is a safe, productive one by following a few simple rules:

Wear the right clothing.

You'll be exposing yourself to gardening chemicals, equipment, sun, and insects.

Always wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts and lacerations, and protect yourself from insects and the sun by wearing long-sleeved shirts
and pants. Lower your risk for sunburn and skin cancer by slathering on a protective coating of sunblock.

Finally, protect your eyes with goggles when using equipment.

Beware of the heat.

Many garden-related accidents are the result of exposure to excessive heat. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and reduce or eliminate
your intake of alcohol or sugary beverages. Be sure to seek out the shade regularly for breaks.

Finally, if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or confused, or experience breathlessness or rapid heartbeat, remove yourself from the sun immediately
and seek medical attention.

Know your limits.
 

Gardening is exercise! To that end, start out gradually and build your stamina every day. If you feel fatigued or your muscles are tired,
call it a day.
 

Get regular massage therapy.

Any exercise can cause muscular imbalances, but gardeners are particularly susceptible to these things because of the positions that gardening requires.

Regular massage therapy will help to ensure that your muscles and joints stay healthy and pain-free. And that means lots more gardening for you!