Summer Yard Work Safety

Before you head outside to mow, weed, or garden, make sure you know how to protect yourself in the summer heat and from bugs and ticks. This episode shares simple, practical ways to stay safe while working outside, from preventing muscle strain and sunburn to spotting warning signs of heat-related illness and preventing bug bites. Featuring Michael Loiacono, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner at Danny and Gail Jones Primary Care- Bel Air at UM Upper Chesapeake Health. Find more podcasts and articles on the Health Hub at https://health.umms.org. [Audio description: 0:00 — Intro graphic displays the podcast title and UMMS logo. 0:05 — Title card displays episode title "Summer Yard Work Safety" podcast and episode information, and UMMS branding. 0:12 — Graphic displays "with Michael Loiacono, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, CRNP." 0:32 — Both speakers are identified on screen. Host Carl Maronich and Michael Loiacono, DNP, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner. 16:48 — End card displays the Live Greater logo, UMMS logo, and text: "To find more shows, visit: www.umms.org/podcast"] 00:00 Introductions 00:12 Summer yard work safety overview 01:00 Four categories of summer yard work safety risks 01:12 Mower and yard equipment injuries 02:01 Heat and sun-related injuries 02:31 Insects and bites 03:21 Plant exposure and contact precautions 03:51 Best times of day for yard work 04:50 Hydration: staying hydrated during yard work 05:00 Hydration pre-work intake guidelines 05:43 Hydration during yard work: water every 15-20 minutes 06:11 Electrolytes and hydration strategies 06:16 Alcohol and dehydration risk 06:37 Distinguishing heat exhaustion from heat stroke 08:04 Building safety: exercise and proper body mechanics 09:29 Clothing and sun protection for yard work 11:05 Insect repellents and tick protection 11:30 Treating clothing: washing to kill ticks 12:04 Who should be especially careful during summer yard work 14:04 When to stop and seek emergency help 15:00 Injury response: stop bleeding and seek medical care 15:50 Key takeaways: prepare and listen to your body 16:45 Closing and resources #SummerSafety #HeatStroke #LawnMowerSafety #HydrationTips #TickPrevention #PoisonIvy #UMMSHealth