The start of summer means undeniably warmer weather of the season has already arrived. With it come many opportunities to participate in outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, swimming, or attending a fair or festival.
No matter your choice, if you spend time outdoors this season, you want to be prepared for the risks these activities can pose.
Before you kick off your summer of fun, review these helpful tips on how to stay safe and healthy this season.
No matter where you are in the U.S., summer brings hot temperatures and lots of sunshine. While that is great for going for a swim or having a picnic, staying out for too long in this kind of weather can be harmful to your health.
Some heat-related health issues you could encounter include sunburn, dehydration, dizziness, cramping, and heat exhaustion. All these issues reduce your energy and can make you feel unwell. If you start feeling any of these symptoms, you should remain indoors in a cool room, drink plenty of water, and get lots of rest. Should you continue to feel sick or if you are feeling worse instead of better, seek medical attention immediately.
Another more severe complication of staying out in hot weather for too long is heat stroke. Considered the most serious heat illness, heat stroke happens when the body gets so hot it can no longer cool itself down. This is considered a life-threatening condition. If heat stroke is suspected, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER).
Symptoms of heat stroke include:
This helpful graphic from the National Weather Service compares the milder symptoms of heat exhaustion with those of heat stroke.
To avoid heat-related health issues and illnesses, limit the time you spend in the sun (especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest), always wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher and reapply it often, find a shady spot to relax in, and wear protective clothing when possible. John Hopkins Medicinie has even more sun safety tips to consider.
It is not always sunny in the summertime, unfortunately. The warm air and humidity can cause severe weather such as thunderstorms that cause power outages, powerful tornadoes, and hurricanes for those living on the east or Gulf coasts of the U.S.
There are several things you can do to prepare for severe weather events in advance:
Here are some safety resources from the American Red Cross to refer to for specific weather events. Bookmark these for future reference:
Swimming in a pool, the ocean, or a lake is a great way to keep cool and have fun. It is not without its risks, however. Before you go for a swim, make sure to follow these tips:
The U.S. government agency the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more information on safe swimming.
In the U.S., it is a tradition to use fireworks to celebrate Independence Day on July 4. Many local parks and neighborhoods host fireworks shows where professionals are in charge of setting them off. However, in many cities, fireworks are sold for personal use. Should you choose to purchase fireworks, make sure they are legal to shoot off where you are located.
If you set off fireworks yourself or if you are attending a gathering where a non-professional will launch a fireworks display, it is extremely important you act safely. Improper use of fireworks can cause serious injuries such as burns, loss of limbs or eyesight, and even death.
Check out these important safety tips for celebrating with fireworks before you try it on your own. If you do get injured, visit the emergency room for care.
Summer fun is everywhere in the U.S., and there are things to do for all interests. As long as you know the risks and how to prepare and remain safe, you are sure to have a great time over break!
