8 Tips to Stay Safer When Doing Yardwork

 

Here are some simple ways to avoid pain or injury when working in your yard.

Yardwork may seem like a harmless activity, but it can be tough on your body and may put you at risk for pain or injury. Whether you're mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, pulling weeds or lifting heavy bags of soil, there are numerous ways that you can get hurt, from strained or sore muscles to cuts, bruises, sunburns and serious injuries.

Here are 8 simple tips to help you stay safer and feel better while getting things done around the yard:

1. Warm up first. Before you jump into your yardwork, take a few minutes to stretch or walk around. Just like any other physical activity, yardwork uses muscles and can strain your back, shoulders and knees. A short warm-up gets your body ready and can help prevent injury.
2. Wear the right gear. Always wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip when doing yardwork. Gloves can protect your hands from cuts and blisters. Use headphones to dampen the sound when using loud tools like a leaf blower or mower. And don’t forget safety glasses if there's any chance something could fly into your eyes, whether or not you’re using power tools.
3. Watch your posture. Bending and twisting the wrong way is one of the top causes of yardwork injuries. Try to keep your back straight and bend at your knees when picking something up. If you’re using tools, hold them close to your body and switch hands often so one side doesn’t get overworked.
4. Stay hydrated. Even if it’s not hot outside, you can still get dehydrated when you’re being physically active. Keep a water bottle nearby and take sips often, especially if you're working for more than 30 minutes. Dehydration can sneak up on you and cause dizziness or fatigue.
5. Use tools safely. Read instructions on tools before using them, especially power tools. Never yank cords or reach into a mower or trimmer while it's plugged in or turned on. Make sure your tools are in good shape and store them in a safe place when you're done.
6. Take breaks. Pacing yourself is key. If you start feeling tired, dizzy or sore, take a break. Don’t try to do all your yardwork in one day. Your body needs time to rest, especially if you're doing something you haven’t done in a while.
7. Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when you're outside for more than a few minutes. Even if it's cloudy, UV rays can still harm your skin. Long sleeves and pants can also help shield your skin from sunburn and bug bites.
8. Know your limits. Don’t try to lift something heavy by yourself or climb a ladder if you're not steady on your feet. It’s okay to ask for help. If a job feels like too much, consider asking another family member to do it, hiring a professional or breaking it into smaller tasks.

Yardwork is something most homeowners need to do at some point or another. Although some tasks can and should be left to the pros, it can be a great way to stay active and enjoy some fresh air while keeping your home looking great. But it’s important to make sure you’re doing yardwork safely because there may be more potential dangers and chances for injury than you realize.

Copyright 2025 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc.  Health eCooks® Heart Healthy Recipes® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.

Date Last Reviewed: April 18, 2025

Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor

Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD

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No information provided by Baldwin Publishing, Inc. in any article is a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical condition. Baldwin Publishing, Inc. strongly suggests that you use this information in consultation with your doctor or other health professional. Use or viewing of any Baldwin Publishing, Inc. article signifies your understanding and agreement to the disclaimer and acceptance of these terms of use.

 

How Your Heart Affects Your Brain, Especially If You’re a Man

 

Changes in memory, focus and problem-solving may occur due to these heart disease risk factors.

Most people know that heart disease can lead to serious problems like heart attacks or stroke. But what many don’t realize is that your heart health can also affect how well your brain works. Research suggests that having heart problems can make it harder to think clearly, remember things or stay focused. In some cases, it may even raise the risk of dementia.

What is especially surprising about the link between heart and brain health is that it may affect men at younger ages than women – as much as a decade sooner. One recent study followed over 30,000 adults and found that men with heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol were more likely to experience cognitive decline earlier than women.

That doesn’t mean that women’s brain health isn’t affected by cardiovascular risk factors, but it appears those changes typically happen later in life. Researchers think hormones like estrogen may offer some protection for women’s brains, but the exact reasons are still being studied.

What is the link between your heart health and your brain?

Your brain depends on healthy blood flow to function properly. When the heart isn’t working properly, it can’t pump blood as well as it should. Heart disease also typically results in stiff or narrowed blood vessels, which limits how much blood can get through. This diminished blood flow may result in the brain not getting enough oxygen or nutrients, which can cause parts of the brain to shrink or stop working the way they should. Because of this, you may:

• Find it harder to remember things
• Struggle to focus or think clearly
• Have slower problem-solving abilities
• Experience changes in mood or behavior

These brain changes don’t happen overnight. Signs of diminished brain health may start with seemingly simple things like forgetting names, losing focus or feeling mentally foggy. Although minor at first, they can grow into bigger issues, especially if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other heart-related risk factors. The best time to stop that from happening is now.

What can you do now to take care of your heart and brain?

Many of the same habits that protect your heart also protect your brain. So by making a few lifestyle changes, you’ll be setting yourself up for better health in more ways than one. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself from a potential loss of memory, difficulty with decision making and cognitive decline:

• Move more: Walking, biking or swimming helps blood flow better.
• Eat healthy: Focus on fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean proteins.
• Watch your numbers: Keep blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar in a healthy range.
• Don’t smoke: Smoking hurts both the heart and brain.
• Sleep well: Poor sleep can raise your risk for both heart disease and cognitive decline.

If you already have heart disease or related risk factors, talk to your doctor. There may be ways in addition to the lifestyle changes noted that help slow down or even prevent some of the brain-related effects of heart problems. Early action matters and can make a big difference when it comes to protecting your future cognitive health.

Copyright 2025 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc.  Health eCooks® Heart Healthy Recipes® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.

Date Last Reviewed: April 18, 2025

Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor

Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD

Learn more about Baldwin Publishing Inc. editorial policy, privacy policy, ADA compliance and sponsorship policy.

No information provided by Baldwin Publishing, Inc. in any article is a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical condition. Baldwin Publishing, Inc. strongly suggests that you use this information in consultation with your doctor or other health professional. Use or viewing of any Baldwin Publishing, Inc. article signifies your understanding and agreement to the disclaimer and acceptance of these terms of use.

7 of the Most Hydrating Foods You Can Eat

 

Drinking fluids is important, but these foods can also help keep your body well hydrated.

When you think about staying hydrated, your first thought is probably that you need to drink more water. And yes, drinking water is important and is the best way to stay hydrated. But did you know that what you eat can also make a difference in your hydration levels?

Approximately 20% of our daily fluid intake comes from the foods we eat, and most of that comes from fruits and vegetables. Although these foods should not be your primary source of hydration, the extra water they contain helps keep you hydrated, which in turn helps your body better regulate temperature, eliminate waste, lubricate joints, and protect tissues and organs.

If you’re looking for more ways to hydrate, eating these foods is an easy win. In addition to a high water content, each is also filled with healthy nutrients and tastes great, so you really have nothing to lose and everything to gain by enjoying these hydrating foods:

1. Cucumber – Made up of about 96% water, cucumbers are one of the most hydrating foods you can eat. They’re light, crunchy and perfect in salads, wraps or even just sliced with a pinch of salt.
2. Celery – Celery contains about 95% water. It’s crisp, low in calories and full of fiber, so it fills you up without weighing you down.
3. Lettuce – Leafy greens like iceberg and romaine lettuce are more water than anything else (about 95%). They’re also low in calories, while containing healthy nutrients and fiber, making them a great addition to any diet.
4. Tomatoes – Another summer staple, juicy tomatoes, are about 94% water while also offering an impressive dose of vitamin C, potassium and lycopene. They’ll help keep you hydrated while also making your taste buds happy.
5. Zucchini – Zucchini is another veggie that’s more water than anything—about 94%. You can roast it, sauté it, spiralize it into noodles or eat it raw. It’s crunchy when raw and soaks up flavors really well when cooked.
6. Watermelon – It may come as no surprise that this is on the list since water is right there in the name! This sweet, juicy fruit is made up of about 92% water. It also has some natural sugar and nutrients like vitamin C and lycopene, making it the perfect warm-weather treat.
7. Strawberries – In addition to being tasty, these berries are also hydrating since they’re about 91% water. They’re also full of fiber and antioxidants, so they’re a smart choice all around.

It probably comes as no surprise that the most hydrating foods are the fruits and vegetables that are most often associated with being juicy and refreshing. Eating these foods shouldn’t be a substitute for drinking enough fluids every day, but enjoying them as part of your meals and snacks is thirst-quenching, nutrient-boosting and supremely satisfying.

Copyright 2025 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc.  Health eCooks® Heart Healthy Recipes® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.

Date Last Reviewed: April 11, 2025

Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor

Medical Review: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT

Learn more about Baldwin Publishing Inc. editorial policy, privacy policy, ADA compliance and sponsorship policy.

No information provided by Baldwin Publishing, Inc. in any article is a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical condition. Baldwin Publishing, Inc. strongly suggests that you use this information in consultation with your doctor or other health professional. Use or viewing of any Baldwin Publishing, Inc. article signifies your understanding and agreement to the disclaimer and acceptance of these terms of use.