Health e-Living Blog

Summer Fun and Safety

July 11, 2018

Topics:

Community News Wellness Womens Health

Summer has finally arrived here in Chester County, PA! That means plenty of time for fun and outdoor activities. But it also means plenty of opportunities for accidents, injuries and illnesses. Chester County Hospital doesn't want your summer to turn into a bummer. Keep yourself and your family safe by remembering some basic safety rules:

Sun Safety:

Use sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
For maximum effect, apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going outside.
Remember, you are more likely to burn between the hours of 10 am-4 pm when the sun's rays are the strongest.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors or after swimming or sweating.
Choose sunglasses that provide 99-100% protection from ultra-violet rays.

Hydration and Heat:

Keep water with you at all times and drink frequently during summer activities to avoid dehydration.
Be on the alert for signs of heat exhaustion. Symptoms include sweating profusely, muscle cramps, dizziness, headache, nausea. Get yourself out of the sun, hydrate and stay in a cool environment. If symptoms persist, get medical assistance immediately.

Food Safety:

Keep hot foods hot (>140 degrees) and cold foods cold (<40 degrees) to avoid food spoilage when having summer picnics.
Be sure all salads with mayonnaise are on ice when served at an outside picnic.
Be careful with raw meats. Don't reuse marinades; wash utensils, and have a separate cutting board for meats.

Insects:

Insect repellents containing DEET are most effective against ticks which can transmit Lyme Disease and mosquitoes which can transmit West Nile Virus. (Don't use DEET products on the hands of young children or anywhere on infants younger than six months.)

Remember...an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. But accidents do happen. If you or a loved one suffer a summertime injury or illness, don't delay. The Chester County Hospital Emergency Department is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Related Information from Chester County Hospital:

Summer Safety Tips
Safe in The Sun
Swimming Safety
The Importance of H2O in the Heat
Safety and CPR Wellness Programs
Pediatric Emergency Services

About this Blog

Chester County Hospital's Health e-Living Blog offers a regular serving of useful health and lifestyle information for the residents of Chester County, PA and the surrounding region.