With the sun and fun comes health and safety concerns to keep in mind. Make your summer days just that – days spent outdoors and not in the emergency room with these summer safety tips.

Biking

In 2020, the U.S. saw the biggest spike in bike sales since the oil crisis of the 1970s. This and every summer, decrease your risk of a crash or serious injury by following these bicycle safety procedures on all your rides. 

First, always wear a helmet with proper fit, reflective gear, and bright colored clothing. This will help you stand out when sharing the road with motorists and pedestrians. Second, ride a bike that fits you. That’s right! A bike with too big of a frame will be harder for you to control. Third, ride where you can be seen. You should be traveling in the same direction as traffic. Following these tips can reduce your risk of serious injury which can lead to a visit to our Level I Trauma Center.

Bug Bites

Bugs, such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and some flies, can spread a multitude of diseases. Prevent bug bites on all your stay-cations and vacations by using an EPA-registered insect repellent. Treat clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin (an insecticide) and cover exposed skin as some bugs can bite through thin fabric.

Water Sports

Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional deaths in the U.S. with an average of 10 deaths a day. Stay safe in the water and lower your risk of water sport injuries by adhering to all water sport safety standards. Avoid using air-filled or foam toys as an alternative to life vests and make sure everyone participating has received proper training.

Hydration

Life-threatening heat strokes can be easily preventable on hot summer days by drinking plenty of fluids. Regardless of how active you are, don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. 

Although very popular, it is suggested to avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks. These types of drinks actually cause you to lose more body fluid, and very cold drinks can cause stomach cramps. 

Food poisoning 

Food poisoning peaks during summer months. The warmer temperatures cause foodborne germs to flourish. For a safe and delicious grilling season, remember to separate meat, poultry, and seafood from other foods. Cross-contamination occurs when juices from raw meats comes in contact with other foods. These juices can contain harmful bacteria that could make you sick. Use a food thermometer to ensure these foods are cooked to the correct temperature to kill these bacteria.

Sunscreen

There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to sunscreen. We’re here to help you sort through one of the most important ones. 

Did you know that sunscreen expires? Some sunscreens come with an expiration date. Those that don’t, have a shelf life of no more than three years with an even shorter shelf life if it has been exposed to high temperatures. If your sunscreen does not come with an expiration date, use a marker to write the date of purchase on the bottle so you know how old it is the next time you use it.