Healthy Home Newsletter July 2014 - Volume XVll, Issue 7 | Page 5

4 Tips For Staying Safe While You Play This Summer… The Idea Corner Summertime is fun-time especially if you play it safe. After all, most hospital emergency room’s claim they are much busier in the summer months when people are out and about playing. Here are some great safety reminders to have a fun and safe summer… #1: Heat Safe – There are many heat related injuries that can sneak up on you, the less serious ones being heat exhaustion and the most serious, even potentially fatal, being heat stroke. According to www.WebMd.com “Heat stroke results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures -usually in combination with dehydration -- which leads to failure of the body's temperature control system.” It’s a good idea to get familiar with the warning signs of heat injury. Prevention is the best medicine so make sure you’re air conditioner is in working order, avoid physical exertion in the heat, and keep yourself cool and well hydrated on sweltering summer days. #2: Play Safe – Cycling, skateboarding, dirt biking, mountain biking, riding ATV’s and motorcycles, all enjoyable summer activities, just be sure to protect your ‘noggin! Studies have shown time and again that many head injuries are preventable with the use of a proper fitting helmet. #3 Travel Safe – Road trips are part of summer fun. Remind everyone you love to drive sober and put their phones away. Be sure to carry extra food and water with you on a long road trip, you never know when you could run into car trouble in the middle of a hot deserted area with no cell service. #4: Swim Safe – Who doesn’t love to swim? But according to www.Cdc.gov “Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1 to 14 years, and the fifth leading cause for people of all ages.” Learning how to reduce these risks is vital. Some great tips are: learn to swim, avoid rip currents, use life jackets, avoid alcohol, heed warning flags, and use the buddy system or a lifeguard. Summer is the best time to the year! I hope you have a fun and safe summer. What To Do This Summer Besides Watch TV… Those long summer days can get boring if the kids are just playing video games or watching too much TV. Everyone can have fun and make awesome memories with these activities… Take A Hike Are you more of the “indoorsy” type? No worries, whether you are a nature lover or not, there is a hike for you. Check out www.Trails.com and you can search for hiking trails in your area. You’ll see a map, the trail length, difficulty ratings and member reviews. Get Soaked I’m talking a good old fashion water fight. Get some super soakers and introduce your kids to 80’s music, then as the tunes blast through the yard, take a trip down memory lane and be a kid again, soakin’ up the fun and sun with the next generation. If you want more ideas on water games with your kids, check out the ideas at www.Spoonful.com under the t ab that says “Play”. ©2014 Piranha Marketing, Inc.