On warm, pretty days, many people enjoy working in their gardens or mowing the grass. These innocent activities may hide potential dangers.

Sunshine can be dangerous, if a person is overexposed. If you are outside for more than 20 minutes, protect exposed skin with a 30 (or higher) SPF sunscreen product and protect your head with a hat. Avoid the peak burning time of 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Heat can devastate those who are exerting themselves. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after outdoor work. If you stop sweating, or you are dizzy or sick to your stomach, you may have heat exhaustion. Immediately seek shelter, rest, and apply cool compresses. Drink Gatorade (or another sports drink high in sugar, sodium and other electrolytes) to treat overheating.

Be careful picking flowers or fruit, which are favorite hideouts for wasps and bees. Many people are allergic to their stings. Typically, if there is a reaction to a sting (swelling and itching at the site), the next sting will cause a worse reaction. Some people experience internal swelling of the tongue or throat which may cause breathing problems. If you experience problems from a sting, confer with your doctor to avoid future problems. (Benadryl or an epinephrine pen may be required.)

People with allergies may find it unbearable outdoors. If possible, avoid outdoor work when the allergens affecting you are high. (Internet sites and television weather news report the current levels.) A mask (available at most hardware stores) may filter out the allergens. For severe allergies, consult a doctor.

People may unknowingly contact poison ivy. Wear gloves to work in the weeds and bushes. When finished, carefully remove the gloves and your clothing without touching the outside material. Immediately take a shower. If a rash develops, treat it with hydrocortisone (sold over the counter). If the rash covers a large area or the skin reddens and swells, contact your physician.

Improper use of gardening tools can cause injury. Wear leather gloves to prevent blisters, small cuts, or other injuries to the hands and wrists. Wear hard-soled shoes to protect the feet. Never try to remove a clog from a lawn mower, while it is running.

People often take on more work than they can reasonably complete in one day. The result is muscle strain (especially bad for the back). Strained back muscles may cause misalignment of the vertibrae. Take frequent breaks to avoid the problem. If you do hurt your back, apply ice to the area repeatedly for 20 minutes at a time. If the pain is unbearable or if it doesn't subside in a couple of days, call a doctor.

Have fun and be safe!!

If you have questions, please call your parish nurses, Nicki Reynolds or Kristen Thompson at 314-837-1090, ext. 107.

[For more Safe Gardening tips see our Newsletter Archive and look under the letter "G."]