Summer safety tips
Summer is synonymous with relaxation and fun in the sun . The easygoing nature of summer can make it easy to overlook safety concerns that run the gamut from heat-related illnesses to bug bites to water play injuries . Though no one wants to rain on their own summer parade , keeping these safety tips in mind can ensure the coming months are as safe as they are fun .
• Safeguard against the threat of heat-related illnesses . Sizzling summer days pose a significant threat if the proper measures aren ’ t take to avoid heat-related illnesses . According to the National Safety Council , heat exhaustion , which occurs when the body loses excessive water and salt , and heat stroke , which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes is marked by the body ’ s inability to control its temperature , can escalate rapidly . The NSC identifies individuals who work outdoors , infants and young children , people who are 65 and older , people who are ill , and people who are overweight as those most at risk of heat-related illnesses . Such illnesses are entirely preventable , and the CDC recommends remaining indoors in air conditioned rooms , drinking plenty of fluids but avoiding alcohol , wearing loose and lightweight clothing as well as a hat , and replacing salt lost from sweating by drinking fruit juice or sports drinks .
• Apply sunscreen . Long days in the summer sun may be a great way to relax , but it ’ s imperative that individuals apply sunscreen before going outside and then reapply it throughout the day as necessary . Sunburn is not only unpleasant , it also increases a person ’ s risk for skin cancer and affects the body ’ s ability to cool itself , which can increase the risk for heat stroke .
• Protect against mosquitoes . Mosquitoes are more than a mere nuisance . Mosquitoes can carry an assortment of viruses , including Zika virus and West Nile virus . And though such viruses are often thought of as a problem for people in faraway lands , the NSC notes that the Aedes mosquito , which is a known transmitter of the Zika virus , has appeared in various regions of the globe , including the continental United States and popular vacation destinations like Mexico and Central and South America . The NSC recommends that everyone , and especially individuals who work outdoors , apply mosquito repellant before going outside and to continue to do so as necessary throughout the day . In addition , clothing treated with the insecticide permethrin
may help to repel mosquitoes .
• Exercise caution around water . The CDC reports that drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children between the ages of one and four . Though children might be most vulnerable to water-related accidents and death , adults also must exercise caution when around the water . The NSC recommends individuals avoid the water , be it in a lake , river , ocean , or pool , unless they know how to swim . Individuals also should never swim alone and only swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard . When swimming at a private residence , children should never be allowed to swim unless an adult is supervising . Adults also should avoid alcohol when swimming .
Summer is a season to relax , but it ’ s also a season when safety should be a top priority for people of all ages .
36 • SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky June 2023