Spring is here, and many of us are eager to come out of winter hibernation and dive into home projects, outdoor activities, and weekend adventures. But as a surgeon, I often see the flip side of that excitement - preventable injuries that land people in the ER or operating room. Around this time of year, we commonly treat everything from hand injuries caused by trying to unjam lawnmower blades to riding mower rollovers on steep slopes. Spring brings its own set of risks and they’re more common than you might think.
Most of these injuries are preventable. In this blog, I’ll share simple spring safety tips to help you make the most of the season so springtime time can remain all about fresh air and sunshine.
Spring Safety Tips
From spring cleaning your home to your yard - one may think there is nothing hazardous about that. But that’s not true. While most of the time spring cleaning won’t cause any harm - there are times where it’s important to be aware of spring hazards.
Spring Cleaning and Home Maintenance
Falls from Ladders and Step Stools
With springtime comes spring cleaning. This includes the exterior or our homes which includes cleaning gutters, washing windows, or on the inside, dusting high shelves and ceilings. Doing these cleaning tasks sometimes involves using step stools and ladders, which increase your risk of falling.
Falling from ladders and step stools can lead to minor injuries like sprains, but can also lead to more serious injuries like broken bones.
SPRING SAFETY TIP: Always make sure your ladder is stable and have someone available to spot you.
Decluttering and Lifting Injuries
One spring break week, my sister and her family decided to declutter their entire home (Transform Your Life By Tidying Up! (Free Ebook) - Simply Kerry) Whether you’re decluttering, organizing, or rearranging things, there is an injury risk. Moving furniture or lifting storage bins could cause strains to your back or neck.
SPRING SAFETY TIP: Use proper lifting techniques and lift with your legs, not your back. If you do decide to dedicate a week to a project, be sure to take breaks. You can also break it up into smaller, more manageable projects.
Outdoor Activities and Injury Prevention
Yard Work and Landscaping Risks
Spring cleanup often includes yard work and landscaping. We pick up where we left off in the fall with raking leaves and hauling brush. Yardwork can also involve using power tools or sharp instruments, which increases the risks of lacerations, cuts, and punctures. Deep cuts may cause damage to muscles, tendons or blood vessels and in more serious injuries can lead to severe bleeding requiring surgery.
SPRING SAFETY TIP: Wear protective gear, understand how to safely operate your tools, and make sure they’re well-maintained. Never place your hands near power tools or lawn mower blades. Keep a basic first aid kit nearby and always stay aware of your surroundings.
Even if you aren’t using power tools or sharp instruments, tasks like raking leaves, spreading mulch, or preparing the garden for planting can lead to injury. Potential injuries can include muscle strains and overexertion, especially for those with underlying heart or circulation conditions.
SPRING SAFETY TIP: Take breaks, stay hydrated, and listen to your body. If you experience chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, seek medical help.
Recreational Injuries
After a long winter, it can feel refreshing to get outside once the weather warms up. We get outside to do yard work, get walking or even for a bike ride. However, for those of us who don’t stay as active during the winter, sudden activity without being prepared can lead to injuries like strains or sprains.
Even activities like gardening can pose injury for those not used to regular movement in the winter. Overexerting yourself can lead to muscle strain, dehydration, or even unnecessary stress for those with heart or circulation concerns.
SPRING SAFETY TIP: Start slow and ease into outdoor activities. Wear proper footwear, stay hydrated, and take breaks as needed. If you have underlying heart or circulation issues, consult your healthcare provider before increasing any activity level.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It’s good to be prepared should injury happen, even with minor cuts or wounds. Having a first aid kit handy is important. If you don’t have one, here is a great resource on building a First Aid Kit.
Not all injuries will be immediately noticeable like cuts or burns, which is why it’s important to be able to recognize early signs of vascular issues that could lead to more serious complications if not addressed.
Signs to watch for include, but are not limited to:
SPRING SAFETY TIP: Seek immediate medical care if you experience any of these symptoms.
Stay Safe This Spring
When spring is in the air, we are eager to get outside and shake off the long winter. But, while spring is a season of fresh starts, it’s important to know that there are risks that can come with getting out and being active.
I share these spring safety tips, to help prepare you for when you do those spring cleaning projects, cleaning up your yard, or just being active again outside. Take care of your body, be aware of potential hazards, and above all else, enjoy a safe and beautiful spring.
Providing you care beyond the visit ~
Dr. Cindy Geocaris
