Some hay fever and even asthma sufferers will tell you of the perils of grass in the summertime. but did you know that cutting the lawn can be one of the biggest health risks we face.
For all that heatstroke and exhaustion are at the back of our minds, injuries outside and especially when using sharp tools are one of the biggest problems A&Es encounter each summer.
A staggering 110,000 children visit emergency units each year with gardening injuries – with 6,500 caused by lawn mowers.
It is probably down to the relaxed mindset we have when we’re pruning, cutting and weeding – which is one of the great mental health benefits of the gardening, too – but being attentive is absolutely essential.
Careless gardening isn’t the only unusual outside summer health blight. The glorious British barbecue if not managed safely, can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and fires. Cross-contamination, food past the sell-by date, and meat not defrosted properly can worry stomachs. Making sure you wash utensils and follow cooking instructions should prevent you from sickness.
More familiar summer ailments include burns, bee stings, and the effects of dehydration. All demand a fully stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of intake of water. And aside from avoiding the grass, hay fever sufferers should have antihistamine at hand, limit exposure to pollen by keeping windows closed, showering and changing clothes after being outside, and using air purifiers.
Speaking of the water, it breaks my heart to hear how many younger people lose their lives each year to drowning. It seems the merest hint of a warm snap means some simply cannot resist
taking a dip in dangerous situations. We need to guard against this, by talking to our children.
The heat might also exacerbate heart and lung conditions.
To counter this, summer also brings us light and warmth in which to exercise – carefully. Make sure you are protected in the sun, by slipping on a t-shirt, slapping on a hat and slopping on sun cream (and I make no apology there for using the famous Australian slogan, they know about sun protection!).
Let me not blow cold about health in the summer. It is the season for activity and with its brightness it improves our mental health and wellbeing after what might feel like a long winter. Just take those few precautions – including, when you are in the garden.
About the writer
Dr Anita Sharma is a local women’s health campaigner and the founder of Endometriosis Awareness North. Learn more about that condition and her charity by going to:
