Many people enjoy gardening as a daily pastime, especially in the spring. There are even some people who take their gardens very seriously, and enter them into expert gardening contests! However, most gardeners are either newbies or seasoned green thumbs who just enjoy making their flower beds look lovely and presentable. Whatever your interest in planting flowers and plants, you should take steps to be safe in the garden.
Stay Cool in the Heat
One of the worst things that can happen while you are gardening is that you can get dehydrated. Being outside in the heat can sap your energy and hydration level pretty fast, so be sure to keep a cup of ice water in the shade nearby, and take breaks often. Make sure you rest in a shaded area so you do not get sunburned while you are inactive. And speaking of sunburns...
Use Sunscreen
The sun can get hot and cause your skin some major damage if you do not protect it with some sunscreen. Check the sun protection factor (or SPF) level on your sunscreen and make sure it is at least SPF 15 or higher. You also must remember to reapply it every hour or two, because even if the SPF level is high, you will sweat it off depending on how long you are outside. Keep in mind that the sun's rays can get to you every day, even (and especially) when it is cloudy. Another thing you should use to help protect you from the sun is a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses, if necessary.
Protect Yourself from Bugs
Keeping your skin safe from bugs that like to suck your blood is important while you are out in the garden. Be sure to wear breathable pants tucked into your socks and lightweight long sleeved shirts. There are even some types of clothing that come with insect repellent built in, so you might want to consider investing in those. Use bug repellent; the best ones contain a product called DEET.
Take Care in Lifting Heavy Objects
If you must lift a heavy object like a rock or some heavy equipment, be sure to bend at the knees. Do not use your back to lift, as this can cause major back strain. Lower yourself down on your heels, bending your knees as you go down, and use the strength in your legs to lift.
Keep Your Tools in Working Order
Take care of your gardening tools, and keep them in working order. Sharpen your pruning shears, because dull shears are actually more of a hazard than sharp ones. Check all your tools and make sure they are not rusting or falling apart.
Be Careful With Pesticides
If you use pesticides in your garden, make sure you wear proper protective gear before using it on your plants. You can end up inhaling some chemicals that can cause major health problems. Also make sure to avoid working with dangerous chemicals, like pesticides, on windy days. The wind can spread these chemicals far and really make someone sick; surely you do not want to be held responsible for that!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Marie_AndrewsStay Cool in the Heat
One of the worst things that can happen while you are gardening is that you can get dehydrated. Being outside in the heat can sap your energy and hydration level pretty fast, so be sure to keep a cup of ice water in the shade nearby, and take breaks often. Make sure you rest in a shaded area so you do not get sunburned while you are inactive. And speaking of sunburns...
Use Sunscreen
The sun can get hot and cause your skin some major damage if you do not protect it with some sunscreen. Check the sun protection factor (or SPF) level on your sunscreen and make sure it is at least SPF 15 or higher. You also must remember to reapply it every hour or two, because even if the SPF level is high, you will sweat it off depending on how long you are outside. Keep in mind that the sun's rays can get to you every day, even (and especially) when it is cloudy. Another thing you should use to help protect you from the sun is a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses, if necessary.
Protect Yourself from Bugs
Keeping your skin safe from bugs that like to suck your blood is important while you are out in the garden. Be sure to wear breathable pants tucked into your socks and lightweight long sleeved shirts. There are even some types of clothing that come with insect repellent built in, so you might want to consider investing in those. Use bug repellent; the best ones contain a product called DEET.
Take Care in Lifting Heavy Objects
If you must lift a heavy object like a rock or some heavy equipment, be sure to bend at the knees. Do not use your back to lift, as this can cause major back strain. Lower yourself down on your heels, bending your knees as you go down, and use the strength in your legs to lift.
Keep Your Tools in Working Order
Take care of your gardening tools, and keep them in working order. Sharpen your pruning shears, because dull shears are actually more of a hazard than sharp ones. Check all your tools and make sure they are not rusting or falling apart.
Be Careful With Pesticides
If you use pesticides in your garden, make sure you wear proper protective gear before using it on your plants. You can end up inhaling some chemicals that can cause major health problems. Also make sure to avoid working with dangerous chemicals, like pesticides, on windy days. The wind can spread these chemicals far and really make someone sick; surely you do not want to be held responsible for that!
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