Three Dangers During Summer

THREE DANGERS DURING SUMMER

Now that summer is here, it can be a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. However, there is also the risk of injuries and accidents and other immediate and long-lasting health problems.
There are many things you can do to stay safe during the summer. Let’s look at three dangers that are often present in the summer, along with tips to address these issues.

HEAT EXHAUSTION
Heat exhaustion can occur when the body gets too hot, and is related to excessive exposure to high temperatures and humidity and intense physical activity. A few heat exhaustion symptoms include:

• Faintness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea

If heat exhaustion is left untreated, it may lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition. Fortunately, there are various precautions you can take to prevent heat exhaustion. These precautions include:

• Staying hydrated. Drink lots of water to help your body maintain a normal temperature.
• Applying sunscreen. Use a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher to protect your skin against sunburns that otherwise may lead to heat exhaustion. You also should reapply sunscreen approximately every two hours.
• Wearing lightweight clothing. Loose-fitting and lightweight apparel that contain cotton will help you keep your body cool.
• Resting frequently. Avoid strenuous activity and take regular breaks in cool spots.
• In the event of a heat exhaustion emergency, try not to panic. Instead, stop all activity, rest, move to a cool place and consume cool water. If heat exhaustion symptoms continue, call 9-1-1, contact your physician, or go to the nearest emergency room.

DEHYDRATION
Dehydration can happen when the body doesn't get enough water. There are many physical symptoms associated with dehydration. These symptoms often include:

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Vomiting

Recent research indicates approximately 75% of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration, according to Medical Daily. Without the proper amount of water, the body cannot effectively digest and absorb vitamins and nutrients. And as a result, those who are dealing with chronic dehydration may experience long-term fatigue, joint pain and other health problems.

Extreme heat makes people more susceptible to dehydration during summer, but there are several things you can do to limit the risk of dehydration. These preventative measures include:

• Carrying a reusable water bottle. Take a reusable water bottle with you everywhere you go and refill the bottle throughout the day; that way, you can stay hydrated at all times.
• Wearing the right clothing and accessories. Light-colored clothing is less likely to absorb heat than dark-colored apparel. Also, a hat and sunglasses will help you remain cool and comfortable outdoors.
• Eating the right foods. Consume fruits, vegetables and other foods that are easy to digest and high in water content.
• Taking a break. The sun reaches its peak between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. so you may want to take a break from outdoor summer activities during this time frame.

Dehydration can affect anyone, at any time and most often in the summer. However, if your prepare accordingly, you can avoid mild, moderate and severe dehydration symptoms.

DROWNING

Unintentional drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional death in the United States. Approximately 10 people die from unintentional drowning every day, CDC reports. Among these people, two are age 14 or younger.

Understanding the risks associated with unintentional drowning is imperative. If you intend to swim at a beach or pool this summer, there are a few things you can do to prevent unintentional drowning emergencies. These preventative measures include:

• Choosing the right life jacket. Pick up a life jacket that will enable you to keep your head above water and breathe while swimming. A life jacket should provide a snug fit and be tested for wear and buoyancy at least once a year.
• Using the buddy system. Never swim alone; swim with a friend, family member or any other buddy. Whenever possible, you should swim at a beach or pool that has a lifeguard on duty, as well.
• Signing up for swimming lessons. Swimming lessons are available for kids and adults and teach students how to swim safely.
• Avoiding the consumption of alcohol. You should never drink alcohol before or during swimming; without exception.
• Viewing the weather. High winds and other inclement weather can quickly change swim conditions. Consequently, it is important to take a look at the weather forecast before you go to a beach or pool.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training allows anyone, regardless of age, to reduce the loss of life in drowning emergencies. A CPR class teaches individuals what to life-threatening situations including drownings. Additionally, a CPR class usually just takes a few hours to complete and enables students to earn a CPR certification card that remains valid for two years.
There are many summer dangers to consider and we've only discussed three. If you prepare for summer dangers, you can stay safe during camping trips, trips to the pool, and other outdoor activities. First and foremost, you can be better prepared to enjoy a healthy and active summer participating in your favorite summer activities.