SALISBURY TWP., Pa. – Temperatures are heating up, more people are heading outside, and doctors are issuing warnings about something you may not think of as “dangerous”…gardening.
Dr. Genoveffa Morway from Lehigh Valley Heath Network, part of Jefferson Health, joined 69 News at Sunrise to tell us more.
She says people should turn off their lawnmowers before trying to clear out jams.
Make sure to warm up: do some stretches and walk for a bit before you start gardening, she said.
Before you head out, make sure you have the right gear, such as protective gloves. They’re important since people can be handling thorns or old tools.
Once you start, Morway says to watch that you change positions. Anytime people hold their bodies in the same position for too long, they can get stiff and painful, she said.
And don’t forget proper body mechanics. Don’t lean or lift with your back. Lift with your legs and try to take pressure off your back while you’re lifting things.
It’s fun to involve the kids in the garden but use extra caution if you do that. Don’t leave out tools that they could mistakenly find and use, Morway said.
She said supervision of your kids is important.
Be careful where things are placed while you’re gardening, such as your hands and the tools you’re using.
And don’t forget to hydrate!
For gardening safety tips, you can head to the LVHN website.