The nurseries, home improvement stores and discount stores have been busy the past couple of weeks selling flowers, plants, shrubs and trees for the spring and summer. Gardening and yard work can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors, get exercise, beautify your home, and grow fruits and vegetables for your dinner table.
However, regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an expert gardener, it’s important to stay safe while working in your flower beds, yard and garden. Here are a few safety tips to protect you and your family from injuries.
- Wear safety goggles when handling chemicals and using power tools.
- Wear gloves to prevent skin irritation, cuts and contamination from chemicals.
- Wear sturdy, enclosed shoes/work boots when using lawn mowers and other machinery. Make sure your shoes/work boots have adequate padding to absorb shock. Shoes/work boots with deep tread or cleats can help prevent slips and falls, especially on wet grass or mud. To ensure your shoes/work boots fit properly, follow our Shoe Fitting Guidelines for more information on how to correctly fit your shoes.
- Protect your hearing by wearing earphones when using loud machinery.
- Use insect repellent containing DEET to protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect yourself from insects, flying debris, and the harmful effects of the sun.
- Follow instructions and warning labels on chemicals and lawn and garden equipment.
Don’t tamper with or remove safety guards or devices on equipment.- Ensure all equipment is in good working order before using.
- Keep harmful chemicals, tools and equipment out of reach of children.
- Sharpen tools carefully.
- Limit distractions while using power tools and machinery.
- Drive riding mowers at slower speeds, especially when turning.
- Use extra care when mowing on slopes or pulling a mower towards you to avoid foot injuries.
- Never allow children to ride with you on riding mowers.
- Avoid uncomfortable positions when planting and weeding.
- Rotate your tasks to avoid repetitive movements.
- Bend with your knees when lifting heavy objects.
- Avoid long gardening sessions to avoid back pain and overuse injuries.
- Rest frequently and relax in the shade with a drink of water.
Gardening and Yard Work Can Cause Foot Pain
Gardening and yard work can exert a lot of pressure on your feet. It can also lead to other foot problems like bruised or ingrown toenails, foot and ankle swelling, arch or heel pain, and plantar fasciitis.
If you shoes/work boots don’t provide proper arch support, consider wearing custom orthotics, like ezWalker® Custom Performance Orthotics. Unlike over-the-counter arch supports which are produced as mirror-matched images of each other, ezWalker® orthotic devices are custom made to the exact specifications of each of your feet – providing you with the right support you need. These custom orthotics realign your body by providing your feet with a proper foundation. Plus they guide your feet to a better biomechanical gait with each step you take. With ezWalker® custom orthotics, your feet will feel more comfortable with less general foot fatigue. Proactive use of ezWalker® custom orthotics can safeguard your feet against strains, sprains and other gardening injuries.
By taking a few precautions, you’ll be able to enjoy your yard and garden with less foot pain this spring and summer. For more information on ezWalker® Custom Performance Orthotics, visit our website. To order these ultra thin, ¾ length custom orthotics today, click here.
Put a smile on your face and spring in your step with ezWalker® Custom Performance Orthotics.
Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.®
