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.<\/p>\n
Dr. Genoveffa Morway from Lehigh Valley Heath Network, part of Jefferson Health, joined 69 News at Sunrise to tell us more.<\/p>\n
She says people should turn off their lawnmowers before trying to clear out jams.<\/p>\n
Make sure to warm up: do some stretches and walk for a bit before you start\u00a0gardening, she said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Once you start,\u00a0Morway 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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,\u00a0Morway said.<\/p>\n
She said supervision of your kids is important.<\/p>\n
Be careful where things are placed while you’re gardening, such as your hands and the tools you’re using.<\/p>\n
And don’t forget to hydrate!<\/p>\n