Fall Cleanup Safety

Stay safe this fall when working in your yard.

“There are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of injury when doing yard work,” says Dr. Rose Paul, MedPoint Urgent Care doctor.

“Before you start, take a few minutes to warm up your muscles,” she advises. “Take a quick 5-minute walk to warm up your legs, adding in some arm circles to warm up your shoulders.”

Make sure you have the right equipment, too:

• Use gloves to protect your hands from irritating plants and to help guard against blisters.
• Also wear long sleeves and pants and avoid wearing flimsy clothing.
• Always use eye and ear protection when using power equipment such as mowers, blowers and tillers.
• If you suffer from allergies, wear a dust mask outside.
• Wear nonslip shoes.
• Be careful using ladders.

If you have a minor mishap while working such as a fall, sprain, cut, rash, abrasion (especially if your tetanus vaccine is not up to date), or your allergies are simply acting up, use Save My Spot for your nearest MedPoint Urgent Care center. Visit BeaconSaveMySpot.org. If you believe your condition is life threatening, call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest Emergency Room.