Wear Gloves. Protect your hands with proper gloves to prevent blisters, exposure to fertilizers, bacteria, fungus and pesticides in the soil. Even a small cut is at risk of developing into a major infection if exposed to soil. Leather gloves can protect against thorny plants, insect bites, and snake and rodent bites. Gloves also protect against sun damage and fingernail damage.
Avoid Repetitive Motions. Vary your gardening activities and rotate tasks to avoid straining muscles that you aren’t used to using. Rest every 15 minutes when digging, raking, pruning bushes or trimming hedges to prevent overuse or irritation to muscles and joints.
Use The Right Tool for the Job. Avoid accidents by using appropriate tools. Always follow manufacturer instructions, keep sharp tools away from children, and unplug electrical tools when not in use. To avoid injury from sharp objects in the soil, use hand tools such as shovels and rakes when digging. When possible, remove objects from the garden area that may cause damage to you or your tools.
Use Good Posture. When working in the garden, the angle of your wrists while using hand tools is as important as your whole body position. When the wrist is in the natural or relaxed position, grip strength is at its maximum. Studies show that grip strength is reduced by 25% when the wrist is bent.
If You Are Injured: Bleeding from minor cuts: apply direct pressure with a clean cloth. Seek emergency medical attention for bleeding that does not stop after 15 minutes, prolonged tingling or numbness, or if you are unsure of your tetanus immunization status.
At Chiropractic Rehab and Neurology in North Phoenix, your health and safety is important to us. Remember to use your hands and tools wisely to enjoy the health benefits of gardening. We invite you to stop in and get to know us before you need chiropractic services in Tramonto! Please call for an appointment at 623-587-0277 or visit our website: http://www.chirorehabcenter.com.
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