School is out, summer has begun and families are heading outside for pool days, cookouts, camps and vacations. As the temperatures climb, so do the risks that come with heat, sun and water.
A few simple habits can go a long way toward helping you and your family stay safe all summer.
Watch out for these summer hazards
Heat-related illnesses
When temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, dehydration and heat stroke. Each summer, extreme heat sends more than 65,000 Americans to the emergency room, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The best thing you can do is stay ahead of the heat. Drink water throughout the day, take breaks in the shade or air conditioning and try not to overdo it during the hottest hours.
If someone seems confused, passes out, has a seizure, struggles to speak or looks severely overheated, call 911 immediately. These can be warning signs of heat stroke.
Dehydration
In the summer, your body loses more fluid through sweat, sometimes before you even realize it. That is why dehydration can sneak up quickly, especially during sports, yard work, travel or long days outside. Signs of dehydration can include dizziness, headache, dry mouth, fatigue and dark urine.
A good rule of thumb is to drink water before, during and after time outdoors instead of waiting until you feel thirsty. For kids, regular water breaks during play and practice are especially important.
Sunburn
A sunburn may seem like just part of summer, but it is really a sign of skin damage. Over time, too much sun exposure raises the risk of skin cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, putting it on before going outside and reapplying it at least every two hours, or sooner if you are swimming or sweating.
If you do get too much sun, sunburn self-care matters. Cooling the skin, staying hydrated, moisturizing and avoiding additional sun exposure can help while your skin heals.
Swimming accidents
Nothing says summer like being in the water, but drowning can happen fast and often quietly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning remains a leading cause of injury-related death for young children, which is why close supervision matters so much.
If kids are in or near water, stay within arm’s reach and keep your attention on them the entire time. That means no scrolling, no reading and no stepping away for “just a second.” Life jackets are also important for boating and many open-water activities, even for strong swimmers.
Hot car dangers
One of the most serious summer safety risks is also one of the most preventable: leaving a child in a vehicle. An average of 37 children die each year in the U.S. from heatstroke, either because they were left or became trapped in a car, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Never leave a child alone in a car, not even for a minute. Get into the habit of checking the back seat before locking up, and keep your vehicle locked when parked so children can’t climb inside unnoticed. If you see a child alone in a hot car, call 911 immediately.
Bug bites and ticks
Summer also brings mosquitoes and ticks. The CDC recommends using an EPA-registered insect repellent and checking for ticks after spending time in grassy, brushy or wooded areas.
Long sleeves and pants can help in some settings, but repellents and tick checks are often what people forget most.
Celebrate summer safely
Summer should be about making memories, not making an unexpected trip for medical care. By staying aware of the risks and making a few smart choices, you can help protect yourself and your family from some of the most common summer injuries and illnesses.
When sudden illness or injury happens, Medical City Healthcare is here to help. Our emergency care locations are open 24/7 and are staffed by trained medical professionals. If you’re unsure about the type of care you need, call our free Consult-A-Nurse® line to speak with a registered nurse who can provide you with support, guidance and advice.