Exercise – walking, running, sports or other activities – is important for good health. With so many outdoor activities to choose from, summer makes being active easy. Summer also increases the chances of injury related to active lifestyles.
June is National Safety Month. Follow the safety tips below for a safe, healthy summer.
Sun Safety
Protecting your skin from the sun is key. UV rays from the sun can damage skin cells and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. These rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Use these tips to protect your skin.
• Stay in the shade under an umbrella, tree or other type of shelter.
• Wear protective clothing, such as light-weight, loose fitting, long sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your ears, face and eyes.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Remember to reapply every two hours and after swimming, sweating or drying off.
Water Safety
According to the CDC, 10 people die every day from unintentional drowning. Drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States. Follow these tips to stay safe in the water.
• Learn to swim and always swim with a buddy.
• Wear a life jacket when boating, jet skiing, water skiing or participating in other water activities.
• Do not drink alcohol before or during any water activities.
• Know local weather conditions before swimming or boating. Severe weather is dangerous.
• Always supervise children when they are in or around water.
• Learn CPR.
Prevent Heat-Related Illness
Heat-related illness, like heat stroke or heat exhaustion, happens when the body is not able to properly cool itself. These illnesses can be prevented by staying cool, hydrated and informed.
• Dress appropriately for the temperature. Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
• Limit outdoor activities to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours.
• Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible, especially during extreme heat.
• Drink plenty of fluids, regardless of how active you are. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine. They tend to dehydrate you.
• Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.
Prevent Injuries
Participating in outdoor activities can increase your chance of injury. Whether you are in your own back yard or out and about, use these tips to help prevent injury.
• Wear protective gear appropriate for the activity. Always wear a helmet when biking, roller blading or skating.
• Stretch and warm up properly before outdoor activities, especially sports. Allow yourself time to rest and recover during and after the activity.
• Use proper tools while gardening. Try using stools, tools with extended handles or raised planters to reduce the risk of pain and injury.
If you have a serious injury or medical emergency, McLaren Port Huron’s ER is open and ready for you. With the area’s premiere emergency room, including all private rooms and access to advanced technology and clinical expertise, we’ll provide the expert care you need, when you need it. And, if you want to reduce your wait time, check-in to the ER online.