Enjoy Your Summer Safely

Summer’s finally here! ’Tis the season to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you go on a bike ride, take a dip in the pool or hit the hiking trails, keep safety in mind. Here are some quick tips to help.

  • Protect your head. Wear a helmet when biking, skateboarding or riding a scooter, motorcycle or ATV. Just be sure that your helmet meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) safety standards for your activity (different activities require different helmets).
  • Don’t forget bug spray. If you live in an area where ticks and mosquitoes are common, apply repellent with DEET.
  • Always wear sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF every day. Don’t forget to reapply after swimming, sweating or after more than two hours in the sun. To avoid harmful UV rays on your face and to keep you cool, wear a hat or visor.
  • Drink up. In hot weather, your body can lose up to a quart of water an hour. Drink water before, during and after your activity. Also, invest in a refillable water bottle, so you’ll always have water while on the go.
  • Keep your cool. Stay indoors during intense midday heat and sun to avoid UV rays when they are most powerful and harmful. Enjoy the outdoors in the morning or evening. And seek shade when possible.
  • Watch out for heat stroke. Watch for very hot and dry skin (no sweat), dizziness, nausea, confusion and unconsciousness. If you suspect someone has heat stroke, move him or her to a cool area or immerse him or her in cool water (or pour it over him/her) to lower the body temperature as quickly as possible. Seek medical attention immediately.
  • Don’t overdo it. When out enjoying swimming, boating or any other strenuous summer activity, take notice if you, or others you are with, are starting to suffer fatigue that could endanger you or others.
  • Take care of your back. Nothing ruins summer fun like a pain in the back. Protect yours by not overdoing activities, wearing shoes with adequate support and stretching your back regularly.