by Rebecca Kolls

Our backyard is a place that provides relaxation, enjoyment and fun. But it can be dangerous - nearly 50% of all injuries come from home. Here's how to play it safe in your backyard this season: 

o  Many popular perennials and annuals, albeit beautiful are very toxic if not fatal like:  bleeding Hearts, delphinium and larkspurs, foxglove and lily-of-the-valley. Prevention is easy - don't add plants known to be poisonous, or get rid of the ones you have.

o  But what about the plants you can't control, like poison oak, sumac and poison ivy?  Herbicides are your best bet for eradication.  Oils from these plants can be transmitted on your clothes so immediately wash them in hot water and always have first aid ready to go such as Cortaid's Poison Ivy Care Treatment Kit.   

o  Mushrooms are a sign of healthy soils, but not all mushrooms are edible.  Hand picking is the best prevention.

o  Ironically chemicals we use to beautify our lawn and garden can harm to our health.  Search for safer, organic products.

o If you garden in the early morning or evening hours use a bug spray containing DEET to ward mosquitoes and ticks which transmit Lymes disease and West Nile Virus.

Use common sense with garden tools:

·  When using tools with  cords or tools that cut - keep both feet on the ground
·  Hang up rakes after each use
·  Strewn hoses are a magnet for falls
·  Always wear long pants and glasses when weed wacking - the debris becomes tiny missiles.
·  Garden gloves will prevent blisters
·  Lift with the legs and not back
·  Beat the heat by keeping cool:  wear a hat, tightly woven clothing and drink lots of water…if you're thirsty, you've waited too long.

And with play equipment:

·  Repair or replace any inferior or loose parts.
·  Cover exposed screws/bolts
·  Should always be placed over soft ground ie: covered with mulch

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