By Alaina Bergstrom, MSN, RN, CCRN-K – Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit Manager at Sheridan Memorial Hospital
Safety preserves summer fun
Children have left the classroom for the summer. Families are spending more time outside. Implementing some basic summer safety measures will help reduce your risk of spending valuable sunny days in an urgent care, emergency room or doctor’s office.
Protect your skin
Summer means sunshine, but it also means bugs, so there are many ways you can protect your skin this season. Lather on sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher, and reapply frequently if you plan to spend extended time outside. Unprotected skin can burn quickly, which can cause long-term and immediate damage.
If you’re spending extended time outside, you should also be prepped to protect yourself from bugs. Check yourself for ticks, which can spread Lyme disease, and if you have an allergy to bees or other insects, be sure you have your emergency treatment with you before leaving the house.
Drink plenty of water
There is no one-size-fits-all for daily water intake, as recommended levels typically depend on your activity level, health conditions and other factors. Basic recommendations, though, include drinking water throughout the day, and increasing intake based on how much time you spend in the heat, exercising or sweating. Knowing the signs of dehydration can also help you avoid danger — dry skin, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, muscle cramps and dark urine are among the symptoms. If you’re looking to add a little flavor to your water intake, eat foods that have high water content such as watermelon, cucumbers, celery, tomatoes and many others.
Wear your safety gear
Bicycle rides, rollerblading, boating, swimming and hiking — the recreational opportunities lure individuals and families outdoors all summer long. Safety gear helps avoid tragic incidents. Be sure you and your loved ones wear life vests, helmets, knee and elbow pads, shoes and other appropriate protective gear for each activity. Just as important is ensuring those safety measures fit appropriately. Oversized or improperly worn safety gear can reduce their effectiveness and create additional hazards.
Beat the heat, check the backseat
Whether you’re traveling with children or pets, be sure to check your car’s backseat at each stop. According to the National Weather Service, the temperature in a vehicle can rise 20 degrees in as little as 10 minutes, and 50 degrees in an hour. Each time you make a stop, follow the NWS advice: Beat the heat, check the backseat!
We were excited to have kicked off the Downtown Sheridan Association’s season of Third Thursday events on June 20. Representatives from Sheridan Memorial Hospital were on site, handing out sunscreen and life vests to help keep you and your family safe this summer. Thank you to all who stopped by, said hello, and learned more summer safety tips.