Take care to avoid lawnmower injuries

Q: We bought a new house with a nice front and back yards. My husband is excited about cutting thelawnandisoffbuying a new push mower. I don’t want him cutting off his foot. Should I be concerned? — Abigail N., Catskill, New York

A: No and yes. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, since their federal safety standards for power mowers were instituted back in 1982, the number of annual lawn mower injuries has been reduced by half. However, even though lawn mowers are much safer now (make sure your husband buys one that says “Meets CPSC blade safety requirements”), injuries still happen.

A new study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine found that lawn mower injuries continue to send more than 80,000 Americans to the emergency department every year.

The most common type of lawn mower-inflicted injury is, of course, laceration. So remember:

The American Society for Surgery of the Hand suggests wearing gloves, goggles and hearing protection when you mow. And always wear sturdy, closedtoed shoes.

Don’t cut the grass when wet. Wet clippings clog the blades and the discharge chute, and that’s typically when hands reach in.

Clear the yard of potential flying objects, such as branches, stones and other debris before you mow.

The No. 2 cause of mower moaning? Muscle sprain or strain. So, make sure the mower stays hydrated, maybe do runner’s stretches before mowing, and take a break every 20 to 30 minutes. Not being fatigued will reduce your chance of other injuries, too.

Q: I just read that female high school athletes have fewer injuries when their schools have an athletic trainer. My daughter goes to a small local high school, plays soccer and basketball, and we don’t have one. What does it take or how much does it cost to recruit an athletic trainer? — Beth A., West Lafayette, Indiana

A: First of all, if you are in the market for athletic trainers, make sure you interview and hire only those who are board-certified. That means that they have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, passed the BOC (Board of Certification) exam and are a member of the National Athletic Training Association. At the high school level, a certified AT earns between $40,000 and $65,000 per year. They more than earn their keep with the number of injuries they help prevent.

Email questions for Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen to youdocsdaily@sharecare. com.