On Summer Safety

Now that summer is in full swing in the U.S. and other countries in North America, like Canada, there is this important issue that you and I are concerned about. It's Safety! Yes, folks, SAFETY is the keyword to enjoying our summer (vacation), whether we're vacationing somewhere or having fun out there under the sun, sea-surfing and/or swimming in/outdoor.

Word of caution, my dear folks. If you're out there under the sun, on the beach or in the park, please cover your head and body (no pun intended!) if you have something available, i.e., a ball cap, a hat, or whatever, a newspaper or magazine, maybe. Have that bath towel handy to cover your shoulders. But if you have an umbrella, that's much better. I know what's in your mind, folks. But, why pay attention to what others may say when they see you in that para sol umbrella? After all, that is what it is for anyway. likewise, if you have sun (tan) lotion, just apply it over your face and whole body that's exposed to the sun. As you know, prolonged exposure to the sun is dangerous. You may get skin cancer or melanoma, as what dermatologists used to say. Furthermore, to protect yourself from being sun-burned, wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirt. If you don't cover yourself, sooner or later, you'll look older than your age.

Many agencies, associations, organizations have posted lots of safety tips or information, in their website, that we can observe while enjoying our summer (vacation).
 
For water safety, while swimming, the American Red Cross issued the following safety guidelines: 1) Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards. 2) Always swim with a buddy, even at public pools or life-guarded beaches. 3) Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and learn-to-swim courses. 4) Never leave a young child unattended near water and never trust a child's life to another child. 5) Do not let anyone play around drains and suction fittings and do forbid swimmers from have breath-holding contests. 6) Avoid alcohol use, as it impairs judgement, balance, and coordination; affects swimming and driving skills; and reduces the body's ability to stay warm.

For boating safety, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers these safety tips: Life jacket must be worn at all times when on boat or near bodies of water.  Also, when having fun in the sun, apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater that protects you against UVA or UVB rays.

Moreover, the American Red Cross recommends the following safety precautions:  1) Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Eat small meals and eat more often. 2) Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun's rays. 3) Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day. Postpone outdoor games and activities. 4) Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat. 5) Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles. Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.

Among the heat-related emergencies that we need to be aware of are the following:

1) Heat Cramps---these are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen. They are caused by exposure to high heat. heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat.

2) Heat Exhaustion---typically involves the loss of body fluids through heavy sweating during strenuous exercise or physical labor in high heat and humidity. The signs, or what to look for: cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea; dizziness, and exhaustion. What to do: a) Move the person to a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If the person is conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. b) If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 911 or the local emergency number.

3) Heat Stroke---also known as sunstroke, this is a life-threatening condition in which a person's temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself. The signs or what to look for: hot, red skin that may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature. What to do: a) Heat stroke is life-threatening! Call 911 or the local emergency number immediately! b) Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person's body by giving care as you would for heat exhaustion. If needed, continue rapid cooling by applying ice or cold packs wrapped in a cloth to the wrists, ankles, groin, neck and armpits.

For more information, please visit www.redcross.org and/or www.AAP.org. Have a safe summer, everyone!