Between family vacations, the warm summer sun, and time off from work and school, summer is by far one of the most fun seasons of the year. However, it can also be a dangerous season. 

Every summer people end up in the hospital due to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, sunburns, dehydration, and other weather-related activities. Not to mention other activities, such as swimming in large bodies of water or hiking on rigorous trails put people at risk for injuries. 

Before we get too far into the midst of the summer, I wanted to remind you of some important summer health and safety tips to help keep your family safe this summer. 

Check them out…

Summer Health and Safety Tip #1 – Wear Sunscreen

According to Cancer.org, about 3.3 million Americans are diagnosed with abnormal cancerous skin cells every year. Many of these cases are attributed to sun exposure. 

This is why it’s so important to ALWAYS wear sunscreen–regardless of your ethnicity or skin tone. 

If you’re outside in direct sunlight, it’s best to reapply sunscreen every 3-4 hours. If you’re in the water, you should be reapplying it more frequently–about every 2 hours while using a waterproof sunscreen. 

Summer Health and Safety Tip #2 – Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is always a serious health problem. However, in the summer heat, it’s even more dangerous as dehydration prevents your body from sweating, which makes it very difficult for your body to release heat. 

If you’re outside playing sports, on a hike, working in the garden, etc., be sure to bring a water bottle with you and stay hydrated! 

If you start to feel overheated, light-headed, or nauseous it’s possible you’re dehydrated. Get inside and get a drink! 

Summer Health and Safety Tip #3 – Take Breaks From the Heat

The human body is incredible…but it wasn’t designed to bake out in the sun all day long. This is why it’s so important to take breaks and get out of the heat. 

Every 2-3 hours I recommend that you take a break from being outside and take cover under a shaded area or inside an air-conditioned house. Get a drink and allow yourself to rest and cool down for at least a half-hour. 

It can be hard for kids to understand the importance of taking breaks–especially if you’re out at the pool or playing on the beach. Giving gentle reminders and having little incentives (like an indoor popsicle break) is a great way to help kids establish healthy habits.

Summer Health and Safety Tip #4 – Stay Safe in Groups 

Between hiking, biking, swimming, and so much more, the great outdoors is a lot of fun! 

There are, however, dangers that come with such fun outdoor activities. As a general rule of thumb, it’s safest to enjoy outdoor activities (like swimming in the ocean or biking the trails) in groups. 

If anyone happens to get sick or hurt while outdoors, having a friend who can call for help is a lifesaver! This goes for both adults and kids! 

Summer Health and Safety Tip #5 – Know the Warning Signs 

By far the most important summer safety tip is to stay informed on the signs and symptoms that a loved one might be suffering from a heat-related issue. 

Dehydration and heat exhaustion share many of the same symptoms. If you have a friend or family member who is exhibiting any of the following symptoms…

  • Rapid heartbeat.
  • Rapid breathing.
  • Dizziness. 
  • Sunken eyes.
  • Sleepiness.
  • Confusion
  • Irritability.
  • Fainting.
  • Low blood pressure. 
  • Muscle cramps. 
  • Cool, Moist skin. 

…be sure to get them into a cool shaded space immediately, then call their physician to figure out the best next steps to ensure something serious like heat stroke doesn’t occur. 

And of course, if there’s anything you need or are worried about in regards to your health this summer, feel free to schedule an online appointment with me here! 

Have a wonderful and safe summer,