Excited about the arrival of summer? For good reason. Warmer weather brings with it favorite activities — vacations, swimming, camping, cookouts and lazy days in the sun.
But summer also means something less fun: an increase in visits to the emergency room. With kids out of school and spending more time outdoors — and especially around Independence Day — safety becomes a very real concern.
To help protect yourself and your family this 4th of July holiday weekend and in the coming months, here are highlights from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Red Cross and Kaiser Permanente on how to have a safe — and fun — summer.
Water Safety
Swimming and cooling off in the pool is one of the best things about summer. Be smart, and do it safely:
- Drowning Prevention. Protect the ones you love and keep your children safe. Know what precautions to take and what to do in an emergency.
- Recreational Water Illness. Learn more about illness caused by germs and chemicals in the water we swim in.
Spending Time in the Sun and Heat
When you’re spending time in the sun – or even if you are in the shade but the temperature is climbing – protect yourself from the sun’s rays and the summer heat.
- Heat-Related Illnesses. Take them seriously and drink plenty of water. Dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke escalate quickly and can be especially serious in children and the elderly.
- Know Your SPF. Not all sunscreens are created equal. Learn why.
- Sun Safety and Skin Cancer. Guard yourself and your family against the long-term dangers of the sun.
Healthy Getaways
Whether you’re taking a road trip with friends and family or the vacation of your dreams, plan ahead for a safe time away from home.
- Camping. Keep campouts fun by planning ahead. Learn the ins and outs of insect repellent, safe food and water, campfires and cookouts, and emergency preparedness.
- Travel. Before you embark on your journey, let your travel clinic or physician help. From vaccines to prescription medication, learn how to plan your travels with your health a priority.
Cooking and Eating
- Summer Food Safety. Find out how to best protect you and your family from food poisoning, foodborne illnesses, cross contamination — and learn and the importance of cooking temperatures.
- Grilling Safety Tips. When dealing with open flames, propane, charcoal or starter fluid, help prevent burns, injuries and damages with these precautions and general guidelines.
Injury Prevention
- Sports. Know how to help your children prevent injuries from sports and recreational activities — including using the right protective gear or equipment.
- Technology and Youth Violence. Learn more and talk with your kids about the emerging public health problem of “electronic aggression” among young people.
Bottom Line: Be Prepared
Even with the best planning, accidents still happen. You can ensure you’re ready to help if the need arises with professional training. Find a Red Cross class in First Aid and CPR near you and get certified — or take a refresher course.
