Sun Sense
The time (hours) of day the sun is at its strongest.
What is between 11:00am-3:00pm?
Visit one of these to support local farmers and buy food at its freshest.
What is a Farmer's Market?
The opposite of hypothermia, being too hot for too long can cause several illnesses that are grouped under this name.
What is hyperthermia?
Feeling this is your body's way of letting you know that you need water. As we age, this response becomes weaker. Older adults may not know that they need to drink.
What is thirst?
Remember to stretch before going into your garden focusing on your back and hips. When in the garden do not ever lift with your back. Do not lock these and bend at the hips. Instead do bend these so you are closer to a seated position and your back is as upright as possible, so your legs are doing most of the work.
What are your knees?
Choose close fitting with UVA/UVB protection in a wrap around style. The label should have UV 400 or 100% UV protection.
What are sunglasses?
Shopping local supports growth which can grow this and provide jobs in your area.
What is the economy?
You are at higher risk of heat related illness if you do not have these in your home. Try to keep your house as cool as possible. Limit use of your oven and keep blinds, shades or curtains closed during the hottest part of the day. Open your windows at night.
What are fans or air conditioners?
The function of these bean shaped organs can decline with age, meaning more water may be lost through urination.
What are the kidneys?
Vertical gardens make it easier for patrolling for bugs, maintaining and harvesting. Set up veggies on one of these to "guide" to grow upright.
What is a trellis?
Absorbs UV rays and prevents them from penetrating into the skin. SPF 30 or higher is recommended.
What is sunscreen/sunblock?
These fiber, antioxidant packed foods are most beneficial when bought and eaten at their freshest. Eat a variety of colours, making sure you get one green and one orange serving a day to provide a powerful punch! Fresh is best, but canned will do when not available- just watch the salt content!
What are vegetables?
To lower your risk of heat related illness drink plenty of liquids such as water, fruit juice, or vegetable juice. Stay away from drinks that include these two ingredients which can cause you to dehydrate quicker due to their diuretic effect.
What is caffeine or alcohol?
If you see this in your toilet and it is a dark yellow/orange, you need more fluids. Aim for it to be a pale yellow.
What is urine?
Use these if you are going to kneel in the garden to be more comfortable and make it easier to get up. Never let your heels lift up off the ground; this puts strain on your ligaments. Keep your heels on the ground. If this is not comfortable try kneeling with one knee.
What is a Knee pad or stool?
One of the most common forms of cancer despite being highly preventable.
What is skin cancer/melanoma?
Also known as "Nature's Candy", Niagara grows many of these sweet treats throughout late spring, throughout the summer, and into early fall.
What are fruits?
Be cautious re diet tips to cut out fruit. You would be missing out on a lot of vitamins and minerals.
Heat exhaustion is a warning that your body can no longer keep itself cool. You may feel nauseated, dizzy, and weak. You may sweat, yet your temperature may be normal, and your skin is cold and clammy. Rest in a cool place and get lots of fluids. If you don't feel better soon, get medical care. Heat exhaustion can progress to this...
What is heat stroke?
Health conditions such as kidney disease or this, a condition in which your body can't make insulin or use insulin properly, can cause you to lose more fluid than normal.
What is diabetes?
When doing this always hold your hand so your wrist is in a neutral or straight position. Grip strength is strongest in this position. Never bend your wrist down at an angle; you not only lose strength but you're more likely to develop tendinitis.
What is pruning?
Checking this tool everyday on The Weather Network will tell you the strength of the sun's rays. The higher the number, the stronger the rays, making it more important to protect yourself.
What is The UV Index?
If you venture to a farm to do this, ensure you stretch, bring knee pads if planning on kneeling, put on your sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and clothing to cover up, and bug spray!
What is Pick your own?
Heat edema is a swelling in your ankles and feet when you get hot. Do this to reduce the swelling. If that doesn't work quickly, call your doctor.
What is put your legs up?
A side effect of some of these may be increased urination, which can cause fluid loss.
What is medication?
Aside from planting vertical trellises, have these built at waist height to eliminate bending altogether and your back will be less stiff and sore.
What is a raised bed?