Health Hazards In Your Garden
Maintaining a garden can be a wonderful way to relax and embrace your nurturing spirit, but it can also be an activity filled with danger.
From hazards present in the soil, to irritations that exist in the very plants you tend, gardening is rife with obstacles that you must avoid and overcome in order to stay healthy and safe while using your green thumb.
If you like to spend time in your own personal garden, watch out for these few health hazards in order to keep happy and healthy as you give back to nature.
Legionellosis
You may have never heard of this disease, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t succumb to it after a day in the soil.
This infectious disease can disturb anyone, although the elderly are generally much more susceptible than the rest of the population.
There are two different varieties of this disease: one that can lead to minor respiratory complications, and another that, if left untreated, can blossom into pneumonia.
If you experience any respiratory symptoms after gardening, take a break and head to your doctor for comprehensive tests.
Tetanus
While this is most commonly associated with rusty objects, tetanus can also exist on plants or even in the soil. And since your hands may often deal with thorns and sharp leaves, you are at a higher risk of contracting this disease through minor cuts and scrapes.
Watch out for cuts and scratches, and let them heal properly before you set foot again in the garden.
Make sure your tetanus shots are up to date, and schedule an appointment with your doctor to make sure you’ll be protected.
Poisonous Plants
One of the most important parts of maintaining a safe garden is knowing exactly what exists in the soil beneath your feet.
If you choose to plant an unknown species, you may be submitting your future self to stems or leaves that can cause unfortunate and occasionally dangerous symptoms, such as rashes, burns, blistering, or even breathing problems.
Before you dig out a new plot, learn about the next addition to your garden in order to avoid any problems in the future.
Weil’s Disease
Although less common than tetanus, this disease can be extremely unpleasant for anyone that is infected.
It is caused by touching or ingesting water that has come in contact with rats or rat urine, so if you happen to see a rodent, stay away from the garden until the infestation has been eliminated.
Rats can also carry salmonella, so be sure to act with the utmost of care if you see one of these nasty critters in your plot.
Parasitic and Poisonous Insects
While you cannot choose which insects decide to live in your garden, you can be safe and avoid any unknown visitors with caution.
Some insects can attach onto your body as parasites, while others can attack you with a poisonous sting that can be painful or even life threatening.
Be careful around any creatures you see, and head to the doctor if you have any bites or welts that are causing you an abnormal amount of discomfort.
Stay Safe Outdoors
Gardening can be very pleasant, but it can also leave you with unpleasant symptoms if you are not too careful. Before you set foot in your garden outdoors, read this list to stay safe and healthy as you tend to the plants that you love.
