Gardening, like any other outdoor physical activity, can lead to injury if you're not careful. Here are a few common problems to watch out for and what you can do to keep safe.
Heat and Sunstroke
"Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the mid-day sun." - Noël Coward.
Heat stroke is caused by exposure to high temperatures, high humidity, extreme exertion, and/or direct exposure to sun (aka sun stroke). Hot dry skin and swollen lips are typical symptoms. Combined with dehydration, other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, dizziness, headaches and fainting may occur. In severe cases, heat stroke can be life threatening.
When working in the sun, take frequent breaks in the shade or other cool spot; wear a hat; and drink lots of water. Avoid the mid-day sun. If you suspect you have the beginnings of heat stroke, go somewhere cool immediately and remove a few layers of clothing. Sponge your head, neck and trunk with cool water; drink cool water; stand in front of a fan; and/or take a cool, tepid (but not cold) bath to remove heat from your body.
Sunburn
Depending on exposure level and time, sunburns range from mild (red, sore to the touch) to severe (blisters). Avoidance is the best strategy. You can either cover up with light clothing or apply sunscreen. According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, choose a sunscreen that is "broad-spectrum," that is one that protects against both UV-A and UV-B. Apply it 30 minutes before going out in the sun and reapply 20 minutes later to maximize your protection. Don't forget to apply it to your neck and ears. Or that space on your back above the belt that gets exposed when you bend over and your shirt becomes untucked.
Eye Damage
When reaching in to prune out dead branches in your shrubs, be aware that you may not be able to see what's directly in front of your eyes. An acquaintance scratched her cornea while pruning her lilac. Luckily, there was no permanent damage, but she looked like a pirate with her eye patch for a couple of weeks. While not glamorous, wear safety goggles.
Skin Problems
To protect your hands from the drying effects of working in peatmoss and soil, wear gloves and apply your favourite hand cream or moisturizer. Contact with prickly plants such as Colorado spruce, juniper, roses or raspberry canes can cause a rash. Wear long sleeves and pants and shoes.
Most people know to avoid poison ivy (leaves of three, beware of me), but there are some plants in your garden that may also cause a skin reaction. For example, gas plant or dittany (Dictamnus albus; available in pink or white) produces an oil that causes an itchy rash leading to a superficial burn, to the point of producing blisters. Avoid contact with the leaves and seedpods, especially on hot, humid days. If you accidentally brush against one, get out of the sun and wash the area immediately with soap and water. Despite this potential problem, the gas plant is an excellent, hardy perennial well worth having.
Cuts
Cutting a finger or two with your hand tools is easier than you'd think especially when your hands are muddy and slippery or when you are just not paying attention. Serious cuts may require more than a kiss and a band-aid. Get a decent pair of leather work gloves that fit. They will also last much longer than the pretty cloth ones.
Falling
Falling off a ladder while pruning is a real possibility. You may get off lightly with a few bruises. Or you may be unlucky and have a sprained ankle, broken bone or even a concussion. Avoidance is your best friend. Use a proper ladder (not a chair or a box, etc.). Position the ladder directly under your work. Make sure that it is on solid, level ground. Do not over-reach to the left or right - get down and move the ladder instead. To be extra sure that the ladder doesn't move, have someone hold it or tie one of the upper rungs to a solid support like the tree trunk or a strong branch.
Back Problems
Pulling, yanking and twisting can put undue pressure on your lower back and lead to real long-term pain and mobility issues. Always lift with your legs and get help lifting or pulling anything too heavy for one person.
- This column is provided courtesy of the Saskatchewan Perennial Society (www.saskperennial.ca; [email protected]). Check out our Bulletin Board or Calendar for upcoming horticulture events in April and May.
