The Gardener's Corner: Garden at your own risk
by Judith Rogers

There is no disclaimer in gardening books or any manuals that advise you to garden at your own risk. Common sense and awareness must therefore prevail to thwart infections and ailments while enjoying this popular hobby.

The first thing to take note of is, if you are out on a sunny day for an extended period of time you will want to protect your skin from a sun burn. It's wise to use a sunscreen liberally on all exposed parts of the body and apply it half an hour before going outside. The SPF strength will depend on the individual and don't forget that products with an SPF have an expiry date. A wide brimmed hat will shade the face and keep ears and the back of the neck from that painful burn so many gardeners have experienced.

News Canada has issued a report recognizing that avoiding sunburn and mosquitoes go hand-inhand. They say that by using a sunscreen along with Deet, both can lose the protection they offer and increase your health risks.

Applying both products on skin increases the amount and rate at which the active chemicals pass through skin into the body. Each product is designed to work on the skin surface but continual use of Deet has scientists worried there may be long-term health effects. It is suggested that if sunscreen has been put on the skin, put the Deet on clothing but if this isn't possible, apply sunscreen first which works best close to the skin and will block the action of Deet if it is applied on top. When going back indoors, wash both products off thoroughly with soap and water. Be careful when seniors and children are applying Deet; a senior's skin is more permeable to chemicals and kids should never have Deet on their face or hands to prevent accidental ingestion.

The Sunveil sun wear company offers a great line of hats, long sleeved shirts, pants and more made of a light weight gauze-like material that is sun reflective, breathable and keeps the bugs at bay. (They can be found online or at kiosks at malls) I've had one of their shirts for several years and it keeps me from burning, is cool and washes in the machine.

When is the last time you had a tetanus booster or the initial shot for that matter? Tetanus, which is sometimes called lockjaw is caused by bacteria that can get into cuts, puncture wounds or burns. This bacterium is found in dust, soil and manure; the very places gardeners continually have their hands, and not always covered with gloves. If the tetanus germs get into a body they will form a toxin that causes painful muscle spasms that can be life threatening. The tightening of muscles, particularly of the face and mouth is how the term 'lockjaw' came about.

It is important for adults to have a tetanus booster every ten years; yes it hurts and can cause mild pain, swelling and soreness but is extremely important if you have a tendency to garden without gloves as I do.

Another little nasty item that can be contracted from soil is toxoplasmosis. By accidentally touching infected cat feces and then your face and mouth, a single-celled parasite can enter the body. Anyone with an immune deficiency and particularly pregnant women are susceptible to the flu-like symptoms accompanied by swollen lymph glands and muscle aches that can last a month or more.

Remember, an ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure; don't put yourself at risk when gardening.