With summer just around the corner, it is time for families to step up their awareness of safety. Top on the list this year should be pesticide exposure, skin cancer and children on the farm. Clothing and gloves can go a long way toward preventing poisoning from pesticides. Most people know that pesticides can be inhaled or accidentally ingested, but one of the most common and least understood means of poisoning is through skin absorption.
Clothing can also help prevent skin cancer, another health concern of farms.
It is important to election the appropriate hat and wear it regularly while in the sun. As the weather warms it also is a good idea to consider ways of keeping children safe around the farm. Parents should designate play areas and identify hazards around the farm. Farm Safety Day Camp has been scheduled for September 8 at the Steve and Rosie Christensen farm near Riceville. MORE LADY BUGS Calls have increased asking about boxelder bugs and lady beetles appearing in homes now.