The garden is a fun place to work in, especially when the spring season is right around the corner. And if growing flowers and producing your own food appeals to you, we are quite for certain that you are definitely not missing the chance to enjoy yourself gardening in your own backyard.

But because of your body’s demands, you will not be able to garden the way you used to. The sun would be too hot on your skin, your vision will probably fail you and above all, your physical and mental conditions may be getting in the way of the attainment of your goal.

In this blog, New Horizons Home Healthcare, a provider of healthcare in Marion Indiana, shares with you tips on how to stay safe while gardening:

• Do not take injuries for granted

  The garden is home to various animals and insects. And because it is an ecosystem, your flowers, plants, and produce are not the ones you should keep on eyeing on. When you are tending to your garden, you would eventually have insect bites, cuts or bruises. Once you sustained injuries, you need to stop whatever you are doing and attend to them.

  If you had a bruise, apply first aid by placing ice on the affected area. If you cut yourself from handling sharp objects, stop the bleeding immediately and dress your wound to prevent infection. If an insect bite you, wash the area with soap and water. Afterward, apply a cold compress to reduce the inflammation.

• Be mindful in using power tools for gardening.

  Power tools are as dangerous as they are useful for gardening. These tools include:

  • Blowers
  • Chainsaws
  • Grass trimmers
  • Hedge trimmers
  • Lawnmowers
  • Log splitters
  • Pressure washers
  • Rotivators
  • Scarifiers
  • Shredders
  • Vacuums
  • And much more

  Ask help when you are operating these equipment.

• Secure gates and fences

  Some adults have issues with their mental abilities. This goes for those with memory loss and dementia. To help with this problem, it is wise to install fences and gates and make sure they are secure.

• Guarantee the safety of paths and walkways

  Because of old age, you will no longer be able to balance the way you used to when you were younger. As a result, you will be more prone to falling down and sustaining injuries and fractures.

  That is why it is extremely important to guarantee the safety of your backyard’s paths and walkways. Make sure that they are flat and are not slippery.

• Prepare yourself before gardening

  When the day begins, do not just rush to your garden and immediately tend to the plants. In fact, gardening is even considered a physical activity for older adults. And physical activity is equivalent to exercising.

  So before you head out to your backyard, you need to warm your body up first. Do some stretching and increase your heart rate. And never forget to give yourself a break every once in a while.

• Watch out for the sun

  The sun damages our skin due to its harmful UV rays. As you blow more candles, your skin would be more sensitive and prone to various illnesses. As a response, you need to prevent or lessen your exposure to the sun.

  Avoid the peak hours of intense daylight. Work on your backyard early in the morning and/or late in the afternoon. Do not forget to wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply sunscreen to protect your skin.

• Drink water or juice

  Our body is composed of 90% water. Do not risk the balance by forgetting to drink your liquids. Our ability to hydrate ourselves and regulate our temperature becomes limited as we grow older. This can increase our danger to heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Never compromise your safety when you are out and about in your garden. Always inform everyone that you are out tending on the backyard. And to increase your safety, hire a caregiver from New Horizons Home Healthcare, an Indiana-based Care Provider.