summer safety

School is almost out, and summer is on its way! Kids will be playing in the bright sun, and family adventures will call to us all, but it is important to be prepared for all that summer has to offer. With every fun game by the pool or bike race down the block comes the risk of summer vacation injuries and illness.

To keep your family prepared for summer, let’s go over a few health tips that become very important this time of year.

Outdoor Injuries

Some of the best activities during the summer are the ones we play outdoors. From neighborhood sports to camping in the woods, we all love to be out in the fresh air this time of year. Naturally, the more time we spend hiking, climbing, and playing outside, the higher our risk of injuries. Also, as kids play sports this summer, they are more likely to fall and get hurt. The usual scrapes and bruises are nothing to worry about but be mindful of bone fractures and head injuries.

A bone fracture can be very painful, but sometimes it is hard to tell if a bone is broken in young children. Play it safe, and make sure you consult with a doctor if anyone in your family may have suffered a fracture.

Concussions can be even more risky, with the potential for short and long-term health effects if left untreated. If anyone hits their head during a fall, then there is a risk for concussion, and you should seek emergency help as quickly as possible.

Dehydration

One of the most common conditions that anyone can get during the summer is dehydration. When your body doesn’t have enough water, it can start to feel lethargic, weak, and light headed. If you don’t hydrate properly but are spending a lot of time in the summer sun, then you might start to exhibit signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

To make sure you are always staying hydrated and energized, make sure you drink a big gulp of water at least once every 20 minutes. If you start to feel overheated and faint, then find some shade to rest in while you re-hydrate. Recharging your electrolytes is also important, so in addition to a bottle of water, it is a good idea to bring along a healthy sports drink for summer activities. Make sure to watch out for children, too, who might have a harder time communicating their condition.

Burns

Sun burns are inconvenient at the best of times, and painful at their worst. For some people, their skin burns easily and brings on uncomfortable peeling or rashes, and for others it fades easily into a sun-kissed tan. But letting yourself get a sunburn is never a good choice. Before you and your family start taking any adventures outdoors, you need to apply sunscreen!

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, which is also water resistant and has broad range protection against UVA and UVB rays. Combining this with breaks in the shade, and wearing appropriate sunglasses and protective hats, and you will be able to keep your skin healthier this summer.

Remember that harmful exposure to the sun, like getting sunburns, can contribute to skin cancer risks. Be careful with your dermatological health, even if you don’t burn easily.

Summer is full of fun, but it also means we have to be diligent about health. Outdoor activities are great, as long as you make sure to protect yourself and your family from some of these common injuries and conditions. In the case of summer emergencies, Victoria ER is open 24/7, every day of the year!

Nutex Health, Inc. supports you and your family’s health. Come visit Victoria ER or any one of our concierge-level freestanding facilities for the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.