July is Filled With Summertime Fun!!
Summer is a great time to be outdoors. Staying healthy to enjoy the season means avoiding summertime health risks such as dehydration, sunburn, heat-related illness, and food poisoning. Additional safety measures for swimming or summer camp should also be considered for a fun and safe summer.
DEHYDRATION
Dehydration is the loss of body fluids and electrolytes due to sweating and inadequate intake of water. Drinking alcohol and caffeine (such as coffee, tea, or pop) can make someone dehydrated.
Signs of dehydration include:
- Heat exhaustion
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Decreased urine output
- Urine that is concentrated and appears dark
- Sunken eyes
- Wrinkled or saggy skin
- Decreased skin elasticity
- Extreme dryness in the mouth
- Fever or temperature higher than 102 degrees
- Severe pain or blistering of skin
If dehydration is suspected, re-hydration is the key to preventing further complications. Remember to drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
GRILL SAFETY
Outdoor grills can result in burns without proper safety and supervision.
- Checks grills for proper working order
- Supervise people closely who are grilling or near fire pits
- Be sure gas grill lid is open before lighting
- Don’t squeeze extra fire starter on coals that are already burning
FOOD POISONING
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 6 Americans (or approximately 48 million people) becomes ill from foodborne diseases and around 3,000 die each year.
- Refrigerate all food; don’t let it sit in the sun
- Two-hour rule: Discard all food that has been left out of a refrigerator or well-chilled ice chest longer than two hours.
- Always wash hands before eating
- Ensure food is served on clean plates, and use clean utensils
- Cover food to keep away insects
- Remember: “When in doubt, throw it out”
SUN SAFETY
Sunburn is a painful skin condition, which occurs as a result of over-exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Risk of sunburn is higher for people with fair skin, blue eyes, and red or blonde hair. People with darker skin tones can also burn. Taking certain medications or having already compromised skin also increase the risks.
To prevent sunburn:
- Avoid a lot of exposure to the sun between 10AM and 4PM
- Wear a hat, especially if hair is thin on top of head
- Reapply sunscreen every two to three hours, or more if swimming
- Remembers sunburns can happen on cloudy days as well
- Use sunscreen with SPF15 or higher at least 30 minutes before going outside
- Try to stay in the shade
- Use lip balm including sunscreen
- Wear sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection
- Come out of the sun when first noticing skin is getting pink
HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS
Sun stroke or heat stroke is a serious life-threatening condition when the body is exposed to hot temperatures for long periods of time. If sun or heat stroke is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.