We’re coming out of sheltering in and jumping right into the hot and hazy days of Summer. We can’t think of Summer sun and fun without being reminded of a few health and safety concerns. Every year we care for injuries related to the Summer sun, heat and related activities that you can easily prepare for and prevent.
Here are a few tips to keep you safe.
Sun Exposure
ALWAYS wear sunscreen. This goes without saying. Sunburn is a no-no. Follow the application directions and apply at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Reapplying every 2 hours at a minimum is recommended.
Remember to throw away old sunscreen. Using something from 2 years ago isn’t going to work.
Wearing protective clothing, hats and sunglasses with 100% UV protections is highly recommended.
For a mild sunburn drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. You can take an over the counter pain reliever and apply aloe or an over-the-counter moisturizer to the skin. For a more severe sunburn, seek medical attention – especially if the skin is blistering or numb.
Bug Bite Safety
Wear light-colored clothing with long sleeves and long pants that you can tuck in.
Use EPA-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-methane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. Find an EPA-registered insect repellent that’s right for you.
Reapply as directed.
If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first, and insect repellent second.
Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
Seek medical attention if you experience tick-borne disease or other symptoms.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke.
Pay attention to the Heat Index. If it is going to be high and you must go outside do the following:
- Wear lightweight, loose fitting clothing and wide-brimmed hat
- Wear sunscreen SPF 30+
- Drink 17-20 ounces of fluid before going outdoors and continue to drink fluids while outdoors every 20 minutes
- Avoid fluids that contain caffeine
Symptoms include dizziness, headache, profuse sweating, nausea, diarrhea, confusion, fainting, dark colored urine, rapid heartbeat.
It’s essential to get out of the heat and rest – preferably to air-conditioned room immediately.
Drink plenty of fluids, take a cool shower or apply other cooling methods.
If you do not cool down within 15 minutes; seek emergency medical attention.
Vehicle Heat Exposure
Always check your vehicle for a child or pet; NEVER leave a child or pet in a vehicle. In 10 minutes – a car can reach 160 degrees on a 78-degree day; 160 degrees on a 90 degree day. Children and pets suffocate to death in minutes in this kind of heat.
If you see a trapped child or pet; dial 911.
Determine if you can try to get the child or pet out of the vehicle; are the doors open? Is a window cracked?
If not, run to the nearest store or building to seek out or page for the driver.
