This Summer, Strive to Stay Healthy

September 29th, 2009

Summer comes with its own set of fun activities, but at the same time can have its own special hazards. Heat, swimming, and outdoor cooking are all filled with potential health trouble, but you can take steps to minimize their risk. Read on to find out how you can stay healthy, happy, and active this summer without running into common health woes.

Protect your skin. Time spent in the sun outside is lots of fun, but it can be hazardous to your skin and even result in skin cancer. Be sure to wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen regularly to ward off rays. Additionally, try to stay inside when the sun is brightest from 11AM to 3PM, and be aware of how quickly you will be subject to sunburn. Taking care of your skin now can help prevent serious problems later.

Manage the heat. It doesn’t matter what part of the country you live in-it can get downright hot during the summertime, and you’ve got to protect yourself. Stay hydrated, slow down, and wear appropriate clothing. Be sure to stay indoors or in the shade when it gets too hot, and think about the best time to do activities-you may want to schedule them for the morning or evening hours when it’s cooler. Be sure that you know the signs of heat emergencies like heat exhaustion and heat stroke so that they can be properly prevented and treated.

Swim carefully. Drownings happen every summer, and year round, but many of these incidents are preventable. Be careful not to swim alone, and use the buddy system for safety, or swim only where there is a qualified lifeguard to keep an eye out. Avoid swimming immediately after eating so that you do not fall victim to cramps. Be sure that you know the signs of drowning and can administer CPR in case someone you are swimming with drowns.

Throwing lunch or dinner on the grill is a delicious way to enjoy the summer. Keep it healthy by paying careful attention to the cleanliness and transportation of food to prevent foodborne illnesses, and use coolers if you need to. You should also carefully read safety instructions on your grill, charcoal, or propane tank to make sure that you are not at risk for fire or explosion along with your meal.

With the help of these tips, you can enjoy a range of healthy, fun summer activities. Be careful and have a great, safe summer!

Did you enjoy this article?