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Page 14, RURAL-URBAN RECORD, May 10, 2021

How ergonomic tools can help gardeners homeowners that embers port prior to starting the fire. going inside and stop add-
Windy weather increases
blowing from a backyard
ing wood to the fire roughly
fire pose the same threat to the risk of embers blowing one hour before you plan
Gardening is a reward- valuable for aging men and ing soil and carrying sup- homes as if they are from a around and potentially land- to go inside. Water or sand
ing activity that has been women. plies from a shed or garage wildfire. ing on the house, other struc- can be poured on ashes to
found to provide a host of How ergonomic tools dif- around the property. But the DON’T let fire pits burn tures around the property or extinguish the fire. Once
benefits beyond ensuring fer from traditional garden- WVUCED notes that ergo- near flammable materials. trees. If the weather report is homeowners are confident a
readily available access to ing tools nomic tools do more than Store firewood piles a safe calling for gusting winds, burn fire has been extinguished,
fresh fruits, vegetables and Ergonomic gardening just reduce gardeners’ risk distance away from the fire a fire on another night. ashes can be spread around
awe-inspiring blooms. tools are designed to en- of injury. pit while it’s in operation. It DON’T leave a fire pit fire to ensure there are no hot
The Centers for Disease sure that using them has as · Ergonomic tools in- may be convenient to keep burning. Unattended recre- spots still burning. If there
Control and Prevention says little effect on the body as crease efficiency. Wasted firewood right next to the fire ational fires are illegal and are, start the extinguishing
many gardening tasks qual- possible. Ergonomic tools motions are less likely when pit while the fire is burning, incredibly dangerous. Home- process over again.
ify as light to moderate ex- align with how a person using ergonomic tools. That but that increases the risk owners should never leave A night around the fire pit
ercise, which means raking naturally moves his or her can improve efficiency in the that embers will land on fire- fire pit fires burning unat- is a summertime tradition in
the leaves and cutting the body, which can reduce the garden, allowing garden- wood and start a fire outside tended or allow fires to slow- many households. Safety
grass can be just as bene- likelihood that gardeners will ers to get more done in the of the pit. ly die out overnight. Always must be as much a part of
ficial as cardiovascular ac- suffer any strains or sprains same amount of time. And DO check the weather re- extinguish the fire before such traditions as s’mores.
tivities like brisk walking or while gardening or experi- because ergonomic tools
jogging. In addition, a 2017 ence any aches and pains are designed to work with
study published in the jour- after a day spent tending to the body, gardeners likely
nal Preventive Medicine their landscapes. won’t need to take breaks
Reports found that garden- Choosing the right tools due to aches and pains,
ing can help aging men and The West Virginia Univer- which also makes it easier
women offset age-related sity Center for Excellence in to be more efficient when
weight gain. And the health Disabilities notes that gar- working in the garden.
benefits of gardening go be- deners will know they have · Ergonomic tools in-
yond the physical. In 2014, chosen the right ergonomic crease gardeners’ capabil-
a systematic review of ran- gardening tool for the job ities. The WVUCED notes ®
domized controlled trials when they do not have to that principles behind er-
published in Complemen- adapt the tool. Ergonomic gonomics keep gardeners The Personal Plumber
tary Therapies in Medicine tools should match garden- using the tools in natural
concluded that horticultural ers’ heights, fit their grip and positions. That means gar-
therapy may be an effective feel comfortable when in deners won’t lose power to 440-324-4321
treatment for people with use. bending and twisting, en-
dementia. Specific benefits of ergo- abling them to do more in
Gardeners have a host nomic tools the garden than they might or 330-721-0680
of tools at their disposal to Ergonomic gardening be able to do when using
help turn their lawns and tools are designed in a way non-ergonomic tools.
gardens into awe-inspiring that can reduce stress on Gardening is a rewarding
landscapes. Among those the body while performing and beneficial activity. The
options are ergonomic tools. various tasks. Gardeners right ergonomic tools for the
Ergonomic tools can benefit know that aches and pains job can enhance those ben- Licensed, Bonded, Insured Technicians Providing:
gardeners of all ages, but can add up after a day spent efits and make gardening
they may prove especially kneeling in the garden, rak- even more enjoyable.
•Sewer/Drain Cleaning •Senior Discounts
The dos and don’ts of fire pits •Electronic Locating •Moen Faucets
•Water Lines
•TV/Camera Inspection
Many homeowners relish keep these dos and don’ts in tances away from a house •High Pressure Jet /Gas Lines
any opportunity to retreat to mind as they plan their sum- and other structures, it’s Cleaning •Zoeller Sump Pumps
their back yards, where they mer s’mores sessions. important that they’re not
can put up their feet and DO keep the fire pit a placed beneath trees or •Excavating and Repair •In-Sink-Erator Disposals
relax in the great outdoors. safe distance away from next to shrubs. Shrubs and •Bathroom/Kitchen •Ruud/Rheem Water
That retreat-like escape is the home. Fire pits should low hanging branches can
made even more relaxing be located a safe distance easily catch embers and be Remodeling Heaters
when sitting around a fire pit. from the home at all times, lit ablaze, so make sure fire
Fire pits can be found in but especially when they’re pits are not placed in loca-
millions of suburban back- in use. Home design experts tions that increase that risk.
yards across the globe. Fire recommend keeping fire pits DO clean out seasonal
pits have become so popular a minimum of 10 to 20 feet debris. It can be tempting to $20.00 OFF
that a 2016 survey of land- away from a house or other let seasonal debris resting
scape architects conducted structure, such as a shed inside the fire pit burn away
by the American Society of or a detached garage. The during the season’s first
Landscape Architects re- further away the fire is from s’mores session. But burn-
vealed they were the most houses and other structures, ing debris poses a serious
sought after outdoor design the less likely those struc- safety risk, as embers can Your Next Service Call!
element. Fire pits remain tures are to catch on fire. easily be blown out of the fire
wildly popular a half decade DON’T place the fire pit pit and catch nearby trees or
after that survey. Homeown- beneath trees or next to shrubs or even a home on Not valid with any other offer. Expires 6-30-21
ers who are only now joining shrubs. Though fire pits fire. The National Fire Pro-
the fire pit revolution can should be kept safe dis- tection Association advises

3299
$
$ 3299

3055 Pearl Rd., Medina
330-723-6693
www.medinamowershop.com