News Taffy

The temperatures are mild, everything is blooming and turning green so everyone wants to tackle their gardening projects. I am all about exercise and gardening can certainly provide a good workout. However, like any other exercise, start cautiously so you don’t injure yourself. I have been an overzealous gardener in the past and paid the price. Too much digging was the cause of my tennis elbow and once you have it, it never really goes away. A couple of years ago, I spread too much mulch and messed my back up so badly that it took months to heal. So here are some tips for a safer approach to gardening.

Remember that you probably haven’t been digging, squatting or lifting heavy bags all winter and even if you work out, you aren’t in gardening shape. Start slowly. Don’t work all day Saturday in the yard or you might seriously injure yourself. I try to garden no more than 2 hours at a time. Think about what tasks you can reasonably do and hire someone to do the rest. I no longer mulch as I have really large beds and my back simply won’t stand up to that much lifting and shoveling.

When lifting heavy objects, make sure to lift properly, using the following technique. Plan ahead, knowing where you are going and making sure the path is clear. Lift close to your body, not at an arm’s length. Keep your feet shoulder width apart for stability. Bend your knees and keep your back straight. Tighten those stomach muscles and lift with your legs. Avoid twisting at the waist. If you feel you are straining, get help.

If you are trimming shrubs and trees, make sure your tools are sharp and exercise extreme caution when using a chain saw. Have a helper on hand, stand on a firm surface and cut carefully so heavy limbs don’t crash down on your head. This is a job best left for professionals if the tree is too big. We don’t want to see the video of a tree falling on your house on Youtube.

Wear proper clothing, sunscreen, a hat, gloves and sturdy shoes. Watch for snakes, especially when cleaning leafy debris. I believe snakes serve a useful purpose in the ecosystem so I never kill them, not even the copperheads. I do give them respect and watch out for them. Watch for bees, wasps and yellow jackets. Many people like my sister can suffer an anaphylactic reaction from insect stings and die quickly if they don’t receive prompt medical treatment. Insect stings can be more dangerous than a snake bite.

Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Stop and go rest if you become dizzy or too tired. Be careful with chemicals. Don’t accidentally poison your pet in your effort to have a weed free lawn. Lawn chemicals can cause allergic reactions in people too. I know, I have broken out in hives just from walking by a golf course. Be careful squatting and planting too long. Your knees may not appreciate the strain.

I hope you have a beautiful healthy yard this year, but not at the price of your own health!

-Lisa Tedder, the Cardiologist's Wife