STOP & SMELL THE ROSES !
We have finally had a glimpse of sunshine and hopefully, most of you will have had time to enjoy some time outdoors. If nothing else, the lighter and longer days are feeling lovely – it’s hard to believe it is almost the end of May, last winter seemed never ending.
In ‘clinic land’ we are happy to say we are busy and seeing lots of new patients as well as many familiar faces. During spring, we always see a lot of sore joints as people start to tackle the rapidly growing lawns and burgeoning plant life in the gardens.
It’s great that you are getting outside, staying active and getting the sunshine on your head and hopefully topping up Vitamin D levels.
However, some basic advice as the seasons progress may not go amiss; so for all you gardening enthusiasts, we offer you 5 TOP TIPS to keep you moving safely
WEAR PROTECTION
Toiling in the garden can be relaxing, but it should be remembered that you are at the mercy of the elements and your gardening tools. A deep cut from a pair of pruners or a chemical burn on your hands from fertilizer exposure can quickly put you out of commission. To stay safe, you must use the right protective equipment:-
- GLOVES – For when using pesticides or fertilizers
- SUN HAT – A wide-brimmed sun hat will protect you
- SUNSCREEN – Wear a minimum of 30 SPF to avoid burning
- SAFETY GLASSES – For pruning or working with chemicals
- MASKS – Avoid chemicals in the air getting into your lungs.
MIX IT UP
Gardening is hard work that requires a lot of repetitive movements like pruning, digging, and twisting. Small repetitive movements of the hands and arms can quickly cause strain or injury to your ligaments and tendons. If you notice your arms, wrists, and hands getting tired, take a quick break or switch to another activity to avoid unnecessary strain. Basically pace yourselves.
LIFT SMART
Moving planters, transferring bags of soil, and lifting pails of soil is heavy gardening that can take a toll on your back if you aren’t using the right lifting methods. It’s essential to know your limitations and use appropriate tools like a plant trolley or wheelbarrow as you work. If you must lift something, make sure to always leave your load’s brunt to your leg muscles and rise with a straight back. For hefty lifting, it’s always best to get the help of a second set of hands.
AVOID CLUTTER
It only takes a second to have a fall in the garden. If you have pathways or aisles in your garden, they need to remain clear and in good repair at all times. Garden stones or tiles can shift with age and time and become unstable. If your pathway has uneven surfaces, it can quickly result in a dangerous trip hazard.
STAY HYDRATED
Your plants aren’t the only things in the garden that need to be properly hydrated. When you are spending several hours outdoors in the heat, you must get enough water to drink. Keep a water bottle close at hand to sip at while you work. Watch for signs of dehydration, including dizziness, nausea, or headache while you work.
Stop and ‘Smell The Roses’ whilst you drink.
When you are done, have a good old stretch to avoid stiffness, there are a few basic stretches in our resources section on the website. Often a bath with some Epsom salts helps with any aches and stiffness.
Happy and safe gardening.
If your best efforts fail and you have overdone things, call and book a massage or a chiropractic treatment and get back to feeling your best without delay.