Late-Summer Safety Tips

Summer is in full swing with the option for some great outdoor family activities still to come! As you continue to spend more time outdoors, you’ll want to keep safety in mind at all times. From avoiding heat stroke to preventing an injury, here are the top warm-weather safety tips everyone should know:

Practice Proper Sun Safety

Extensive, unprotected sun exposure can lead to heat-related illnesses and increase your chances of skin cancer. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main factor that causes skin cancer. The sun gives off three different types of UV radiation: UVA rays, UVB rays and UVC rays. However, UVC rays are blocked by the atmosphere and do not reach the ground, but UVA and UVB rays do come through and require proper skin protection.

According to the American Cancer Society, UV rays from the sun are strongest, even in the late summer months, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. To reduce your risks and safely soak up some sun, stay hydrated, and choose a sunscreen that offers “broad spectrum protection” against UVA and UVB rays and is SPF 30 or higher—always reapplying sunscreen every two hours or so, water resistant or not. A hat and sunglasses also can help ensure you are adequately protected from the sun’s damaging rays.

Practice Water Safety

The National Safety Council states that an average of 10 people die daily in the United States from drowning. The younger the person, the higher the risk, as it only takes a second for an accident to occur. To ensure your pool days are incident free, be sure to:

• Never leave children alone near the water
• Always stay alert
• Consider professional swim lessons for young children to help strengthen their swimming skills
• Get trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Practice Injury Prevention

Summer activities also can lead to an increase in preventable injuries for both children and adults. Whether playing around the neighborhood or playing for a sports team, safety gear always should be worn. For example, a bike ride should always be done wearing a helmet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to prevent injury, look for a helmet that not only fits properly but also is safety certified and age appropriate.

Continue to make your health a priority in late summer and for the rest of the year. Southwest General Medical Group, Inc. includes primary and specialty care physicians who can work closely with you to help you stay healthy through any season of the year. To learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, visit our website.