Your guide to a feel-good summer
As you plan your outings, follow these tips to stay safe.
As you plan for activities in the great outdoors, make sure summer stays your friend.
Water yourself
Maintain your fluid intake to avoid dehydration while you’re spending time outside this summer.
“Dehydration and heat-related illnesses are a big problem in the summertime,” says Michael Good, MD, medical director of Kettering Health Network Emergency – Franklin.
Dr. Good also recommends sports drinks with electrolytes that will replace the electrolytes you lose when you sweat.
Signs you aren’t staying hydrated may include dry mouth, dizziness, light-headedness, nausea and, in more extreme cases, confusion.
Keep it cool
Those same symptoms could also indicate heat exhaustion, a sign that your body is overheating and unable to cool itself down.
“Dehydration may progress into heat exhaustion and heat exhaustion into heat stroke,” says Dr. Good. “Signs and symptoms associated with heat exhaustion include sweating, dizziness, light-headedness, fast heart rate, fatigue and muscle cramps.”
If someone near you is experiencing heat exhaustion, be sure to get them out of the heat and lay them down. Fan them or spray cold water to help cool them and keep them hydrated. If the heat causes vomiting, seizures or unconsciousness, call 911.
Prep for playtime
Pavement and concrete pose a higher risk of more serious injuries.
“If you’re biking or skateboarding, make sure you’re wearing a helmet,” advises Dr. Good. “Wear knee and elbow pads for extra protection.”
Make sure each member of your family who participates in these outdoor activities has a helmet that fits their head and fastens correctly. Avoid skating or biking in areas with uneven terrain, wet surfaces or a lot of pedestrians.
Be swimmer-savvy
Avoiding shallow water when you’re looking to take a dive is easy at the pool, but if you’re planning a trip to a local lake, take caution.
“With ponds, lakes and creeks, it can be hard to see what’s under the water, and hazardous debris may cause injury,” Dr. Good says.
If you want to pull off the perfect cannonball this summer, wade into the water first to check the depth and look for any unforeseen objects.
Save your skin
It’s no secret that the sun poses a threat to skin of all types when left unprotected, which is why Dr. Good recommends using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater. But did you know certain medications increase the risk of sunburn?
“Some patients are on medications that make you more susceptible to sun damage, such as some antibiotics, anti-inflammatories or antihistamine drugs,” says Dr. Good.
If you’re taking one of these medications, check the side effects to see if photosensitivity is listed. Talk to the prescribing physician about how you can protect your skin.