The Northern Rivers Times
November 9, 2023
46 GARDENING
Staying Sun Safe While Gardening
Gardening is a rewarding and therapeutic activity that many of us cherish. It connects us to nature, offers physical exercise, and often results in beautiful and productive landscapes. However, in the excitement of planting and tending, it’s easy to forget that the sun, while essential for our plants, can pose risks to us. Sunburn, heat stress, and long-term UV damage are real concerns for gardeners. Here’s how to ensure you stay
sun safe while indulging in your green thumb passions. Understanding the Risks • Sunburn: Direct sun exposure, especially during peak hours, can lead to painful burns which, over time, can increase the risk of skin cancers. • Heat Exhaustion: Extended periods in the sun, coupled with physical exertion, can lead to symptoms like heavy sweating, rapid
pulse, dizziness, and even fainting. • Long-term UV Exposure: Cumulative UV exposure is a significant factor in skin aging and has been linked to various skin cancers. Tips for Staying Sun Safe • Timings are Key: Garden during the cooler parts of the day — early morning or late afternoon. The sun’s UV radiation is most intense between 10 am and 4
pm, so it’s best to avoid outdoor tasks during these hours. • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout your gardening activities. This helps maintain body temperature and replaces any fluids lost through sweating. • Create Shaded Areas: Install structures like pergolas, umbrellas, or shade cloths in parts of the garden where you work most. This way, you can enjoy gardening
Windara Communities Limited is an Australian Disability Enterprise which provides quality supported employment and training for people with a disability in the Richmond Valley.
!"#!$%&'"&()&$*&'+& M0*4+;&C#B40N*64##O##DN40#!=#C420B#4P:40*4+64;#3%0-*6'&-'0*B-
Opening Hours Nursery 7:30am - 2:30pm Tues - Sat
!"#$%&&'()*+#,-.#/'01*&&'()23 4(2*&5#(26-4&7408)*9:%+;<6%(
=>??#"?=#=@A 111<2'02920;4+B+'0B40C<6%(<2' DEFG#HDIJ,5##/%+K,2-#L5!=2(K>:(.#,'+#L5!=2(K@:(
Cafe 7am - 1:30pm Tues - Sat Function and Conference Centre Call to book
Retail Nursery Cafe, Playground & Maze Function Centre
Weddings, Kids Birthdays, Christmas Parties
Gardening & Maintenance Call us for a quote
www.windara.org.au Windara Communities Limited 253 Sextonville Road,Casino, NSW, 2470 02 6662 3800 or 02 6662 3857
NDIS registered for all your NDIS support
with a reduced risk of sun exposure. • Be Sun Smart Even on Cloudy Days: UV radiation can penetrate through clouds, so don’t skip on sun protection measures just because it’s overcast. • Listen to Your Body: If you start feeling lightheaded, nauseous, or extremely fatigued, it’s time to take a break. Head indoors, hydrate, and rest. Dress Appropriately • Wide-brimmed Hats: A hat with a wide brim not only shades your face but also your neck and shoulders. Choose one made of a tightly woven fabric to block UV rays. • Long Sleeves and Pants: Lightweight, breathable, and longsleeved shirts and pants provide more protection than tank tops or shorts. UV-protective clothing, specifically designed to block sun rays, can be especially useful. • Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from UV radiation by wearing sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Use Sunscreen Religiously: • Broad Spectrum: Always choose a broadspectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Aim for SPF 30 or higher. • Application: Apply sunscreen generously 15-20 minutes before heading out and reapply every two hours — more frequently if you’re sweating. • Lip Balm with SPF: Lips are often forgotten but equally at risk.
Ensure they’re shielded with a protective lip balm. Knowing When to Seek Help Heat-related illnesses can escalate if not addressed. If, after heading indoors, your symptoms don’t improve or worsen — such as experiencing a throbbing headache, lack of sweat despite being hot, or rapid heartbeat — it might be a sign of heat stroke, a more severe condition. In such cases, seeking medical attention is crucial. Building a Sun-Smart Gardening Habit Incorporate sun safety measures into your gardening routine until they become second nature: • Store your sunscreen next to your gardening tools as a reminder to apply it. • Keep a dedicated gardening hat by the door. • Set alarms to remind you to drink water or take sunshade breaks. • opt for tools with longer handles to ensure you can work from a shaded spot. Gardening offers immense joy and satisfaction, but it’s essential to respect the sun and its potential risks. By incorporating sun-safe practices into your gardening routine, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a vibrant garden and healthy, protected skin. After all, the key to a sustainable gardening passion lies in taking care of both the plants and the gardener.
