I alternate the WAY I’m shoveling or raking (right foot then left, right hand, then left) to even out the work my muscles do. That’s from yoga–for every pose you do on one side, do it for the other side for the same amount of time. Re: safety, a video I watched in safety training addressed working on or walking on steep slopes, they recommended hold the tool (shovel, whatever) on the uphill side (w/ your uphill hand) JUST so if you fall, you don’t land on it.

Also useful, MODERATION. =) Avoid going from almost no gardening to 4 hours all at once. Try 30 minutes at a time, first, and increase slowly. =) And stay hydrated and fueled to your brain doesn’t get foggy and thus increase the odds of a mistake. =) btw, gardening TOTALLY COUNTS as exercise in my book, so give yourself credit for that, and care for yourself accordingly.

The sports drink info is helpful. I’m not an “athlete” by any stretch of the imagination. Hadn’t realized that might apply to gardening 🙂 I’ve only started using them and I think I see a difference after a hot time in the old yard 🙂 Thank you.

You are welcome, Judy!

Yikes, Beth! I always wear gloves now when cutting down Black eyed Susan stalks. They have those teeny tiny hair like sticker that you can feel but not grasp with tweezers. Who knew gardening was so dangerous? ~~ Sue

I tried all weekend (because of course, emergencies only happen on the weekend), to get the splinter out, to no avail. I couldn’t even see it, although I certainly could feel it. My thumb knew it was there because it swelled up like crazy. On Monday, I went to the doctor, who thought I had actually gotten the splinter out earlier and sent me back home. I returned to him a couple of days later, when things had only gotten worse. Long story short, I eventually had my thumb operated on by a plastic surgeon to remove the splinter, which was indeed by the bone.

Needless to say, I learned to wear gardening gloves and urge my garden friends to wear them, also.

Ouchie! You gave me the shivers, Gayle! Yikes. Yes, shoes all the time,…you never know.

Thanks for the heads up on the type of drinks that help! Thanks Sue for you informative article. I have already uncovered two snakes. They were small but I hate snakes!!!