With water restrictions introduced across the country, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and the Australian Physiotherapy Association have reported a dramatic rise in back, shoulder and knee injuries, particularly among older people.
An innovation in garden care, the Hydrokart™, has the potential to eliminate these injuries and risks.
Hydrokart™ is a new portable grey and town water collection, storage, transportation and water distribution system. Designed and made in Australia, it was developed to help gardeners save their precious plants during the continuing drought.
Hydrokart’s™ Managing Director, Andrew Taylor, said many people are trying to save water used in the house, such as shower water and rinse water.
“This has proven awkward, not to mention heavy, to carry buckets through the house and then pour the water onto plants without drowning them as the water gushes from the bucket,” he said.
Watering cans and buckets can weigh anywhere between eight and ten kilograms.
Victorian AMA President, Doctor Mark Yates, said people trying to lift this dead weight from inside a bath or from the shower floor is where problems begin.
“Older people are prone to falling over buckets and injuring themselves, particularly when bucketing water onto their gardens in poor light,” he said.
Doctor Yates has seen two recent cases of broken hips after people fell while watering their gardens.
Hydrokart™ features two buckets to collect water from showers and other places, including water tanks.
“You tip the water into a 20 litre capacity enclosed bucket on wheels and safely wheel it to your garden,” Andrew Taylor said.
“You can then connect a two metre long hose to water your plants. The system comes with a hose handle to save bending down to water plants.
“The Hydrokart™ can also connect to a weeping hose irrigation or drip system via standard click hose fittings.
“It is much easier on the body than lugging heavy watering cans around the garden.”
Psychologist, Ivan Honey, said the emotional effect on seniors was a hidden cost of drought. He said in extreme cases where the aged were afflicted with ill health, isolation or reduced mobility, the loss of precious gardens could be the final straw.
“Gardening is far more than a hobby to many people,” he said. ‘‘Gardens enhance emotional health, provide gentle exercise and contact with the environment. Seeing things grow fuels optimism and hope.”
For further information contact Hydrokart™ on 1800 655 179 or visit www.hydrokart.com.au
