Clothing Maintaining Your Body Tools Plants and Animals Preventing/Treating Injuries

Match clothing to weather and temperature Proper shoes or boots to protect feet and support ankles Gloves, hats, kneeling pads Knee braces or elbow supports to ease strain on joints Ear plugs when using noisy machinery Safety goggles when appropriate

Drink plenty of water Take breaks and change positions Wear sunscreen Maintain good posture; use proper lifting technique (use legs, not back)

New, ergonomic tools are designed to reduce muscle fatigue and injury Use wheelbarrows or carts for heavy loads Keep tools well maintained (sharpened, oiled) Use tools safely; particularly important for machinery such as chainsaws, lawnmowers, weed whackers. Also ladders

Poisonous plants Poison ivy and stinging nettle Many plants are toxic to both humans and pets if eaten Thorny plants; use gloves when handling

Stinging insects Bees and wasps not near hives/nests are generally non- aggressive (Are you allergic to stings?) Some caterpillars have stinging hairs Unlikely, but be aware of rabies possibility in mammals

Stretch and strengthen to prevent muscle soreness (see handout for diagrams) or Keep tetanus shots up-to-date Injuries Ice reduces swelling; heat improves circulation Know when to see a doctor – most muscle soreness can be treated at home; joint pain or swelling can be symptoms of more serious injuries