6/10/2009

Care for Yourself While Caring for Your Lawn and Garden

Warm weather and longer days bring many people outside for fun in the sun, as well as to tend to their lawn and gardens.  Participating in these extra activities brings an increased chance for injury while enjoying the nice weather.  However, by following these recommended precautions, avoiding unnecessary injuries can be made a little easier. 

Being outside for long periods of time can take a toll on your body.  At least 30 minutes before going outside, make sure to apply sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater.  Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.  Wearing sunglasses with UV protection can also prevent long term eye problems.  Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

In addition, serious injuries can occur from the use of lawn mowers and other garden tools.  According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), each year about 400,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries caused by lawn and garden tools.  Additionally, 25,300 people are injured and 75 people are killed on or near riding lawnmowers and garden tractors.  Of these deaths, about 1 out of every 5 involves a child.  Jewish Hospital Hand Care Center and Kleinert Kutz Hand Care Center urge you to take special precautions when gardening and working on your lawn to prevent injury this summer. 

“What starts out as a normal day outside tending to your lawn or garden can end in injury and even death in the worst cases.  This happens when people are careless though,” said Michelle Palazzo, M.D.  “If people only take the time for make sure they and their children are safe while using power tools and lawn mowers, many preventable disasters can be avoided.”

Palazzo added, “You should never alter safety mechanisms on tools or mowers. They are there to keep you safe. An example would be when a person tapes or ties the brake release on a mower, allowing it to keep moving if they let it go. This can cause a severe foot or hand injury.   Some recommended safety tips for using your lawn mower or power tools include: 

• Keep all children away from the area being mowed. The safest place is inside.
• Make sure there are no sticks, stones, or other objects that could get in the path of your mowing.
• Reach under the mower only when it has been turned off and the blade has completely stopped.
• Refuel the mower only when it has cooled completely.
• Do not give children rides on lawn mowers.
• Wear tight fitting clothing so it does not get caught in machinery.
• Store garden tools in their proper place when they’re not in use.
• Always wear sturdy, close-toed shoes.
• Never alter safety mechanisms on tools and mowers.
 

ABOUT THE JEWISH HOSPITAL HAND CARE CENTER
Jewish Hospital is the first in the United States to provide a unique state-of-the-art facility specially designed and equipped to treat hand, arm and shoulder injuries and diseases complete with emergency care, operating suites and overnight recovery center – all in one location. Physicians from Kleinert Kutz, along with specially trained Jewish Hospital hand care professionals, staff the Jewish Hospital Hand Care Center bringing the latest advances in medicine and treatment. The facility provides immediate and emergency care to patients. The Hand Care Center allows more direct and rapid treatment for those with specific injuries and problems to the hand, arm and shoulder.
 
ABOUT KLEINERT KUTZ HAND CARE CENTER
Kleinert Kutz Hand Care Center is one of the largest hand care programs in the world, pioneering achievements in hand and microsurgery, research, therapy and orthotics. The physicians of Kleinert Kutz offer expertise in orthopedic and plastic surgery and provide comprehensive upper extremity care – from major trauma and replantations to less serious problems such as minor injuries. World “firsts” in partnership with Jewish Hospital and the University of Louisville School of Medicine include:
 
·  World’s first successful hand transplant
·  First reported repair of a digital artery
·  Technique for successful primary flexor tendon repair in  “No  Man’s Land”
·  First bilateral forearm replantation
·  First bilateral upper arm replantation
·  Pioneering work in primary reconstruction using free tissue  transfer.