Tips for a Healthy Summer

Sport and camp physicals can be one part of the start to a safe and healthy summer. Chestatee Quick Care is also offering a set of tips for parents to serve as a friendly reminder that a few simple steps can help prevent many outdoor health risks.

We understand that summer is a time to be outside, soaking up the warm weather, but following these tips, such as drinking plenty of water and applying sun block with UVA and UVB protection, can lead to a more enjoyable time and keep a family healthy and safe.

The tips include:

Avoid Heat Stress and Heat Stroke

Be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Limit drinks that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar.

In extreme heat, be careful not to push yourself beyond your physical limits, and rest when needed.

Watch for symptoms of heat stress or heat stroke such as thirst, cramps, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches and fever.

Never leave children or pets in a hot car. Cracking the windows open does not help!

Avoid Insect and Tick Bites

Avoid potential dangerous bug bites by wearing insect repellent.

When hiking in the woods, tuck pants into socks or shoes, and walk in the middle of trails to avoid overhanging branches.

Avoid scented soaps and lotions that may attract mosquitoes and other bugs.

Avoid spending time outdoors from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes bite the most.

Avoid Sunburn

Always wear sun block – even when it is cloudy. The sun’s radiation penetrates clouds and can still cause sunburn.

Choose a sun block that offers UVA and UVB protection, and that has an SPF of 15 or higher.

Apply sun block at least 15-30 minutes before going out in the sun, and reapply every two hours or after swimming, sweating or towel drying.

Limit exposure to the sun when it’s at its strongest – between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Have Fun, and Play Safe

Outfit your kids with the appropriate protective sports gear such as helmets and knee and elbow pads.

Supervise children at the pool, and have children who do not know how to swim wear a life vest instead of “floaties.”

Always wear a life vest when on a lake or river, even if you know how to swim.

Do not eat food that has been left out for more than an hour at BBQs and family picnics. This can cause food poisoning.