- Beach Precautions -
PHONE : 570-769-2877
Healthy
Living -- pages 18 - 22
To your Health !
- Beach Precautions -
Just about everyone enjoys going to the beach ! In fact , beaches are this country ' s leading tourist destination . But before you pack your towels , flip flops , and bathing suit and head to the shore , you should educate yourself about potential hazards of the sand and sea . Keep these things in mind to ensure a safe vacation this summer !
• RIP TIDES : Learn how to spot a rip current . Unfortunately , it ' s where it looks easiest and safest to enter the sea . This is because the rip current is looping around and pulling back out , with no waves rolling in . Do not enter the sea here ! If you are already in the water and get caught in a rip current ( which you can tell because you will suddenly be moved from your location and it will be impossible to swim against ), don ' t panic . Swim ACROSS , not against the rip current . For example , rather than trying to swim to shore while being pushed out , swim parallel to the beach and you will be able to get out . Then , swim ashore . Please educate friends or family visiting the beaches this summer , because rip tides are attributed to at least 100 drowning deaths in this country every year .
• SUNBURN : We ' ve all done it ... overstayed our time in the sun and wound up with a painful burn . Not only can this ruin your vacation , repeated sun exposure that results in sunburn can increase your risk of premature aging of skin , precancerous skin lesions , and skin cancer . Sunburn draws fluid to the skin ’ s surface and away from the rest of the body , so drinking extra water can actually help prevent that . If your sunburn results in blisters , allow them to heal . Blistering skin means you have a second-degree sunburn .
• SAND HOLES : Lots of people , adults and kids alike . enjoy digging holes in the sand and playfully bury friends or themselves . But digging in areas of the beach where dunes are present - especially in areas that are isolated and not visible from the beachfront - can be very dangerous . In fact , several communities have banned digging holes so deep that a child could fit in them .
• WATER QUALITY : It ' s becoming more and more common - beach closures or advisories caused by poor water quality . Coastal waters are often contaminated by untreated sewage from boats , failing septic systems , fertilizers , and spills from hazardous substances . High levels of bacteria and other chemicals in the water can cause gastrointestinal illnesses . Be aware of all beach closures and advisories before you go swimming .
Please patronize this fine local sponsor of To Your Health :
William R . Forse , Optometrist - family eye care
Complete & Comprehensive Eye Exams • Pediatric Vision Analysis Glaucoma , Cataract , and Retinal Screening • Contact Lenses Wide Selection of Fashion Eyewear • Consultant for Lasik Surgery
PHONE : 570-769-2877
Open : Monday 1 - 7pm , Wednesday 9am - 1pm , and Thursday 9am - 5pm .
Suite 310 , 1 Outlet Lane , McElhattan ( in the UPMC Outpatient Center ) 18 -- “ Good News ” -- June -- www . bearcountrygoodnews . com