#InjuryFreeSummer-8 Tips To Help Prevent Gardening Injuries

Though some of these injuries can be serious, the good news is most are easily preventable. Here are eight simple tips for preventing gardening injuries. Because at the endo of the day, we want to be able to spend that quality time doing what we love, not recovering from it.

 

1. Wear Gloves.

This will protect your hands and fingers from cuts and scrapes and potentially harmful bacteria. Simple but effective.

 

2. Wear Protective Clothing.

Always wear long sleeves, long pants, and sneakers to protect your arms, legs, and feet from insect and spider bites, as well as cuts and scrapes. Additionally, wearing hats and sunscreen can protect your skin from prolonged exposure to the sun.

 

3. Remove Rings.

By taking off your rings, you eliminate the chance of ring avulsion.

“Ring avulsion happens when a ring on one of your fingers is caught on an object and gets yanked off suddenly and rapidly. The force and pressure of the ring being pulled can strip off and damage finger tissues, including muscles, tendons, and bones.” (healthline.com)

4. Don’t Sit Back On Your Knees.

Sitting back on your knees stresses knee joints and requires you to use your hands and wrists to stabilize. It also requires your hands and wrists to bear your weight while shifting from kneeling to standing. Try using a garden stool or bench.

 

5. Use Good Body Mechanics. (Especially when picking up heavy items like mulch or topsoil.)

You can prevent upper extremity and back injuries by distributing the weight, using your legs to lift, and keeping the load close to your body when lifting. Remember not to bend at the waist. You can also use a wage or wheelbarrow to transport heavy loads. Work smarter not harder!

 

6. Safely Store Your Tools.

Store sharp blades facing down and keep tools out of reach of children. Same goes for any type of chemicals you might be using. Store them safely away from the grasp of you little ones and always follow any safety guidelines set out on the product labels.

7. Hydrate Yourself.

Avoid alcoholic beverages while gardening or mowing the lawn. Save the cocktail for when your yard work is done. Hydrate yourself with water in hot sunny weather.

 

8. Take Breaks.

Try to minimize sustained periods of repetitive motions, which can lead to common injuries such as tennis elbow and tendonitis and sometimes back/shoulder strain/sprain. When possible, stretch before, during, and after your yard work.

 

Use these tips to stay healthy and injury free, while enjoying your time in the garden! 

Want to know more about how we can help you live a pain free and healthy life? I’m here to help! Check out my bio and please don’t hesitate to contact me with your inquiries! I hope everyone enjoys their #InjuryFreeSummer!