As the weather becomes warmer, family members engage in outdoor activities. Playing in the sunshine can increase one’s vitamin D absorption and protect their health. It may also improve a family’s risk of injury and health complications.
There are various steps individuals can take to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer. When families explore the common safety challenges, they can increase their awareness and implement protective measures. After individuals adopt efficient safety measures, they can create happy and long-lasting memories. Use these Summer safety tips to have the best summer ever!
Summer Specific Safety Challenges
One of the most common summer injuries comes from ultraviolet (UV) rays. The UV index increases in the summer months and increases individuals' risks of sunburns. UV burns are the leading cause of melanoma, which is a fatal type of cancer.
Another health complication in the summer is heatstroke. As the planet’s temperature increases, the risk of heatstroke rises. When individuals spend too much time in the sun, their bodies can overheat and reach 104 Fahrenheit (F) or higher.
Untreated heatstroke can cause nausea, confusion and death. Some family members also experience health complications from swimming during the summer. Unsupervised swimming can increase one’s risk of drowning.
If individuals wear the wrong size life jackets, they may also experience safety challenges. Family members can engage in seven safety measures to ensure a happy and healthy summer.
1. Beware of Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a serious summertime illness. Individuals experiencing the condition are unable to regulate their internal body temperatures. Understanding the signs and symptoms of heatstroke can help families prevent adverse health effects.
One of the most noticeable symptoms of heat strokes is confusion. The condition impacts the brain, which makes it difficult to speak and process information. Another symptom is loss of consciousness.
When individuals notice a family member displaying heat stroke signs, they should seek immediate medical attention. Drinking water, taking breaks indoors and resting in shaded areas can minimize one’s risk of heatstroke.
2. Apply Sunscreen Frequently
Individuals can also prevent sunburn and skin cancer by applying sunscreen frequently. Medical professionals suggest that individuals reapply sunscreen every two hours. You can also protect your skin by wearing clothes with UV protection.
Individuals may additionally track the UV index and remain inside during high index hours. When you spend extended time outdoors in the middle of the day, you can protect your skin by sheltering in the shade. Drinking plenty of water may additionally reduce adverse effects from the sun.
3. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is another adverse health effect in the summer. The heat causes individuals to sweat more, releasing water through their pores. Some common signs of dehydration are headaches, concentrated urine, dizziness and dry mouth.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of dehydration, you should increase your water consumption. Medical professionals suggest individuals drink more water in the summer to reduce their risk of discomfort and low blood pressure. Individuals should drink about two liters of water every day throughout the summer.
4. Wear a Helmet During Bike Rides
Many families engage in outdoor exercises while the weather permits. Biking is an enjoyable family activity, and it increases one’s risk of head injuries. Families can prevent head injuries by always wearing helmets while biking.
Researchers found that helmets reduce head and face injuries by 85% on average. Nearly two-thirds of fatal injuries involve individuals’ heads. Helmets effectively prevent adverse health conditions in the summertime.
5. Supervise Pool Time
In the warmer months, many families cool down in pools and water parks. While pools can effectively lower one’s risk of heat stroke, they increase individuals’ risk of drowning. Some younger family members may be less confident or experienced swimmers.
Adults and lifeguards can effectively protect swimmers by attentively supervising them. Individuals may also keep life preservers near the pool in case of emergencies. Families can practice similar safety measures on boats to reduce one’s risk of drowning.
6. Wear Lifejackets on Boats
Many coastal states have strict lifejacket regulations to protect passengers’ safety. Families should evaluate the regulations before going on a boat ride. The Coast Guard developed laws requiring individuals under 16 years of age to wear an approved flotation device.
Individuals should bring enough lifejackets on a boat for each passenger. You may try on the floatation devices before packing them to ensure their fit. The jackets generally fit according to one’s weight, which helps individuals identify their size.
7. Practice Firework Safety
Fireworks are another cause of summertime injuries. Family members can reduce the risk of burns, eye injuries and hearing complications by closely monitoring explosives. Individuals may protect their family members by only purchasing professionally packaged fireworks.
You should also prevent young children from playing with fireworks. Individuals can protect families from injuries by igniting the materials at an exclusive location. Display professionals should always keep a bucket of water and fire extinguisher by the ignition site.
All for Fun and Fun for All
Exercising and vitamin D exposure in the summertime improve individuals’ mental states. When families practice the seven safety measures listed above, they can access the optimal benefits of summer. If you keep your family safe and healthy, you can develop long-lasting memories and engage in bonding experiences.
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