Healthy Living
Staying Safe and Healthy While Enjoying the Summertime Outdoors
by Robyn Degeneres
Summer is usually a time for vacations, family outings, barbecues and splashing in the pool. While many envision summer as a time for fun, we all need to be aware of the dangers that also come with this time. By following some simple tips, you can be more assured about your health and safety as you enjoy the season.
Mosquitoes
Here in South Louisiana, we are all aware of pesky mosquitoes. Not only are they annoying, but they carry with them the possibility of contracting various diseases, including the West Nile virus. When dealing with this virus, prevention is your best bet. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many species of mosquitoes. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing during the evening and early morning or consider avoiding outdoor activities during those times. You should use an EPA-registered insect repellent such as those with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. It is also helpful to limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by getting rid of items that hold water since mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Keep mosquitoes outside by having well-fitting screens on windows and doors.
Swimming
Another summertime danger lurks in many backyards and vacation spots—swimming pools. Drowning is the second most common cause of death from injuries among kids under the age of 14. Drowning can happen fast—sometimes in less than two minutes after a person’s head goes under the water. Parents should never leave children alone in or near a swimming pool. Keep a life preserver and a phone near a pool at all times. Floaties and other inflatable toys should not be substituted for a life vest. Make sure kids obey pool rules and swim at depths that are appropriate for their age and level of swimming.
Sun safety is something else that everyone needs to keep in mind during the summer. Be sure to apply sunscreen anytime you are going to be outdoors for an extended period of time, not just when you are swimming or at the beach. You should put sunscreen on 20 to 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every couple of hours or after being in the water. Be sure to use sunscreen that is at least 15 SPF and protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Brimmed hats and sunglasses are also helpful in shielding out the sun’s rays. Another tip is to stay inside or in the shade during the hottest part of the day (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). And lastly, remember that you can sunburn even when it’s overcast!
Preventing dehydration is also crucial during the hot summer months. You should make sure you are well hydrated before beginning any physical activity in the heat. Drinking fluids regularly (approximately every 20 minutes) during physical activity, even if you are not thirsty, is key to preventing dehydration.
Boating
Safety should always be top of mind when going out on a boat, either for fishing, water skiing or simply for a ride. Before venturing out, a float plan should be filed with a responsible friend or relative and should include the place of departure, destination points, expected times of arrival and return and the names of all individuals on board. Advise the friend or relative to contact proper authorities if you have not returned by an agreed upon time. Should an emergency occur, valuable search and rescue time could be saved if a float plan has been properly filed and followed.
Before departure, a boat check should be performed to ensure that the proper equipment is on board and functional. Remember, some equipment items such as visual distress signals, first aid kits and fire extinguishers have items with expiration dates where service or replacement is required. A small weather radio is an excellent way to receive updated weather broadcasts and severe weather warnings. Remember to have adequate communications on board your boat at all times. Cell phones, although popular for communicating on land, have a limited use on the water. It is also of the utmost importance to have personal floatation devices for each person on board on the boat at all times.
For additional information, contact Ochsner Health System at 1-866-OCHSNER or visit www.ochsner.org.
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