Stay Safe this Summer with these Helpful Tips

Summer is on the horizon! As the days grow longer and hotter, many of us will be spending more time outdoors doing the things we love. Backyard barbeques, park play dates, boating, lazy days by the pool and summer holiday celebrations involving fireworks are likely already filling up your calendar. No matter how you choose to enjoy your summer, it’s important to stay alert and protect yourself and your family from potential threats to your health and safety.

Topping the list of summertime hazards are extreme heat and drowning. The good news is that heat-related illness and water dangers can be easily prevented. 

Heat Safety

Extreme heat is the number one weather-related killer in the U.S. and overexposure can be especially dangerous for children, seniors, those with preexisting illnesses and patients on certain types of prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines. There are three major types of heat-related health conditions you should be familiar with:

• Heat cramps typically occur in the stomach, arms and legs, and are the result of losing too much water and salt. They’re often the first sign of a heat-related illness and can lead to more serious conditions like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Heat exhaustion occurs when your body loses too much water and salt, and can’t cool itself. It typically presents as a combination of many symptoms, including headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, heavy sweating, elevated body temperatures, decreased urine output and skin that appears cool, moist, pale, ashen or flushed. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke.
• Heat stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the body has lost excessive amounts of water and salt, and is completely overwhelmed by heat. Characterized by dizziness, fainting, loss of consciousness, slurred speech, confusion, agitation, hallucinations and an altered mental state, a heat stroke requires immediate medical attention, as it can lead to organ failure and death. Placing ice packs in the patient’s armpits and groin area can help with cooling while being transported to medical care.

Here are a few simple ways you can beat the heat this summer and help prevent heat-related illnesses:

• Be aware of temperature and humidity levels in your area and avoid going outdoors for activities or exercise in extreme heat.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, regardless of how active you are (and remember to keep your pets hydrated too!). Sports drinks can also be helpful to replace salts and provide some sugar.
• Always use an SPF-15 or higher sunscreen that protects against both UV-A and UV-B rays, applying 30 minutes before exposure and reapplying accordingly.
• NEVER leave infants, children or animals in cars unattended, even if the windows are cracked open.
• Take frequent breaks when enjoying the outdoors, especially if you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment.
• Seek shade when necessary— under a tree, an umbrella, or a pop-up tent.
• Take advantage of cooler areas (even when outside), and when the temperature rises above 90 degrees, consider switching to an indoor activity.
• Break out your favorite lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. Use sunglasses and hats to protect yourself as well. 
• Limit or avoid alcoholic beverages, as they can impair your body’s ability to self-regulate its temperature and compromise your hydration status.
• Stay mindful of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and know how to respond.

For more detailed information about heat-related illnesses, their symptoms and how to respond, visit the CDC's website.

Water Safety

Nothing feels better than a dip in the water in summer, but it’s important to keep your safety in mind at all times. Every year in the U.S. there is an estimated average of 11 drowning deaths per day and an estimated average of 22 non-fatal drownings per day.

Drowning can happen in seconds and is often silent. Even non-fatal drowning can result in very serious injuries, permanent disabilities and long-term health problems.

Like heat-related illnesses, drowning can be prevented. Be it poolside, lakeside or beachside, the tips listed below are key to ensuring a fun, safe summer for all:

• Only swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Always swim with a buddy, especially if you have a seizure disorder or other medical condition that increases your risk of drowning.
• Never dive in the shallow end of a pool.
• Designate a responsible adult to supervise children closely and constantly when they are in or near water (including bathtubs).
• Make sure young children and inexperienced swimmers always wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around natural water and swimming pools.
• Brightly colored swimsuits can also help you remain visible to lifesaving personnel and make it easier for parents to spot their children in the water. 
• Always be cautious around natural bodies of water, which can contain hidden hazards like dangerous currents, underwater objects and limited visibility. Be especially vigilant when swimming in Lake Superior, where hazards like rip currents can occur. 
• Always wear a life jacket when boating – most boating fatalities occur from drowning. Ensure there are enough floatation devices on the boat for every individual. 
• Monitor weather and water conditions before and during water activities—as weather patterns can change in an instant. 
• When boating, make sure someone is aware of where you are and what time to expect you back. Pack a cell phone, working radio and other rescue communication pieces like safety lighting and sound signaling. 
• Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming, boating, and other water activities, and while you’re supervising children.
• Don’t hyperventilate or hold your breath for long periods of time in the water – this can result in a “hypoxic blackout” or “shallow water blackout.”
• If you have a pool or hot tub or live near a body of water, always keep reach-and-throw equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit nearby in case of an emergency.

For more information about drowning prevention and statistics about drowning in the U.S., visit the CDC's website.

General Summer Safety

Additional tips that can help keep you and your family safe while enjoying outdoor activities include:

• Follow safety rules at kids' playgrounds—read posted signs and use playground equipment that is right for your child’s age and actively supervise their play.
• Follow food safety rules at barbeques and when packing picnics—always wash hands before handling food, don't let perishable food sit out longer than two hours and ensure everything is properly cooked to the appropriate internal temperature. 
• Bonfires are another popular summer activity—keep a safe distance, don't leave fires unattended, always supervise children around fire and check your local weather advisory to ensure safe conditions. 
• For all adventures, pack a first aid kit that includes basic supplies to handle sprains, cuts and any other injuries—remember to dial 9-1-1 in case of an emergency. 
• Always wear a helmet when biking, scootering or skating to prevent head trauma. 
• Wear bug repellent to prevent stings and bites. 

Following these helpful tips, taking the proper precautions and using your common sense can go a long way towards helping you stay safe and healthy all summer long. If you or someone you’re with shows signs of a heat-related illness, is a victim of a drowning incident or needs medical attention for any other reason, it’s important to seek out a medical provider immediately and–in cases of emergency—call 9-1-1.

When emergencies strike, minutes matter. UP Health System can provide quality emergency care when you need it most. Visit UPHealthSystem.com/Emergency to learn more.