Health beat: Enjoy the benefits of gardening and stay safe and healthy

Gardening can be a great way to enjoy physical activity, beautify the community and go green. However, it is important for people to protect and take precautions as they work and play in the sun and around insects, chemicals and lawn and garden equipment.

Whether a beginner or expert, gardeners should remember these health and safety tips, and enjoy the beauty and bounty gardening can bring.

Dress to protect

Prevent exposure to harmful chemicals, insects and the sun by wearing proper clothing and safety equipment.

Use an insect repellent and sunscreen with sun protective factor, or SPF, 15 or higher, and both ultraviolet A and B ray protection.

Remember that the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daylight saving time (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time) are the most hazardous for UV exposure outdoors in the continental United States.

Always check clothes and body for ticks.

Wear a hat with a wide rim to shade the face, head, ears and neck.

Wear a protective nose and mouth mask, or even sunglasses or protective eyewear, while doing yard work to help to avoid the triggers that cause allergy and asthma complications.

Know limits in the heat

Even being out for short periods of time in high temperatures can cause serious health problems.

Monitor activities and time in the sun to lower the risk for heat-related illness.

Schedule outdoor activities carefully, and pace yourself. Use common sense.

Stay hydrated

If outside in hot weather for most of the day, an effort needs to be made to drink more fluids.

Avoid beverages with alcohol and drinks high in sugar, and stay away from caffeinated and carbonated beverages.

Whatever the outdoor activity, have water on hand to decrease the chance of dehydration.

Put safety first

Be aware of possible hazards to prevent injury.

Read all instructions and labels before using chemicals and operating equipment.

Check equipment before each use.

Limit distractions while using equipment.

Enjoy the benefits of physical activity

Active people are less likely than inactive people to be obese or have high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, depression, colon or breast cancer and premature death.

Adults should get at least 2 1/2 hours per week of moderate intensity physical activity.

Engage in physical activity for people with disabilities

Engage in regular physical activity based on abilities. Avoid inactivity.

Adults with disabilities should consult their health-care provider about the amounts and types of physical activity that are appropriate for their abilities.

Physical activity can reduce pain and improve function, mood and quality of life for adults with arthritis.

Get vaccinated

Vaccinations can prevent many diseases and save lives.

Remember that the bacteria that cause tetanus are found in soil and all adults should get a tetanus vaccination every 10 years.

Go green

Conserve water, reuse containers, recycle and share your bounty.

Eye-catching gardens and landscapes that save water, prevent pollution and protect the environment can be achieved.

Keep yards clear

Remove any items that may collect standing water, such as buckets, old tires and toys. Mosquitoes can breed in them within days.

Clearing trees and brush can reduce the likelihood that deer, rodents and ticks will live there.

Health Beat is a weekly spotlight on a wide range of health issues. The information contained here was provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. View the CDC features online at www.cdc.gov/features.