Summer Safety Tips
School is soon to end for another year and that means many more hours in the sun for adults and children. With high temperatures already starting, here are some tips and ideas for staying safe and cool in the summer months.
Avoid heat strokes
- Do very active or strenuous activities in the cooler part of the day or evening hours.
- Always keep a bottle of water with you.
- Always drink plenty of water or sports drinks (not the ones full of sugar and caffeine) as you don’t want to get dehydrated.
- If you begin to get too hot, seek shade and cool off.
How to treat overheating
Know the stages:
- Overheated - This is the first stage and is accompanied with cramps in your muscles.
a. Immediately stop activities and rest.
b. Take sips of cool water or a commercial sports drink
c. Stretch the cramped muscle and hold the stretch for about 20 seconds
d. Massage cramped muscle
e. Return to activities once the symptoms leave and the body feels better
- Heat exhaustion - Symptoms include cool, moist, pale skin headache, dizziness, and nausea.
a. Stop activity and sit in a shaded or cooler area
b. Drink cool liquids slowly and if available, place a cool, wet towel on the back of the neck.
c. Return to activities once the symptoms leave and you feel better.
Sunscreen and Sunglasses
It may take from 2-6 hours before you notice your skin is turning red. Next comes the pain which can be from 6 to 48 hours later. About 3 to 8 days later your skin will start to peel. This can all be avoided by wearing the correct sunscreen for the activity or plans for the day.
If you’re going to be in the water, be sure to choose a sunscreen that is waterproof. Remember to apply often and generously.
The sun’s rays are the greatest and most damaging between the hours of 11 A.M. and 4 P.M.
Try to remember the “Shadow Rule.” If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s damaging rays are at their strongest for you and unprotected skin will burn. If you must be out during those times be sure to continually apply sunscreen and the greater the SPF the better.
Sunglasses don’t have to be expensive to get the job done which is to protect your eyes. You need to buy glasses that have both UVA and UVB protection. They should also be dark enough to cut the glare but not too dark as to distort colors. Darker sunglasses are no more effective than the lighter ones. Do not buy toy sunglasses for your children unless they are UV protected. When choosing your sunglasses it’s wise to choose glasses that are impact-resistant. You want to protect your eyes from accidents and the sun.
The best rule for protecting yourself from the sun is the “Slip, Slap and Slather Rule.” As you go out the door remember to SLIP on a shirt, SLAP on a hat, and SLATHER on the sunscreen.
Now go have a great summer, and remember the rules!
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