21 Jun How Can I Stay Safe in the Heat?
Stay Safe and Healthy This Summer
The temperatures are rising and the days are getting longer. It′s summertime once again. Here are some tips to help you stay safe in the heat and make your summer the best, and healthiest, one yet.
Beat the Heat
Heat-related illnesses claim the lives of hundreds of people each year, so it is important to take these precautions when working or playing outside during the hot summer months.
- Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic beverages; You should strive for at least 1 ounce of water for every 2 pounds of body weight.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that is light in color; When in doubt, live by the saying “Suns out, Guns out!”
- Reduce strenuous activities or do them during the cooler parts of the day.
Grill and Chill
Whether you prefer burgers off the grill or a picnic in the park, one thing you don’t want on the menu this summer is a food-borne illness. Take these steps to help keep germs at bay.
- Wash your hands before and after handling food.
- When taking foods off the grill, do not put cooked food items back on the same plate that previously held raw food.
- When grilling foods, preheat the coals on your grill for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the coals are lightly coated with ash.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that food reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Never let raw meat, cooked food or cut fresh fruits or vegetables sit at room temperature for more than two hours before putting them in the cooler or refrigerator (one hour when the temperature is above 90°F).
- Make sure to pack plenty of extra ice or freezer packs in your cooler to ensure a constant cold temperature. You don’t want that potato salad getting warm, trust me.
Fun in the Sun
Your summer plans may include hitting the beach or just spending more time outdoors. Make sure you plan to avoid sunburn, which can increase your risk of skin cancer.
- Seek shade, especially during midday hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), when UV rays are strongest and do the most damage. Vitamin D is very important but doesn’t go overboard.
- Cover up with clothing to protect exposed skin. A long-sleeved shirt and long pants with a tight weave are best. Just keep an eye on the heat.
- Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.
- Grab shades that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
- Rub on sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection. I’m a fan of getting some sun first, but try to avoid getting burnt. Also, read up on the sunscreens before application. Not all lotions are good for the skin and try to avoid the aerosol at all costs.
Swim Safe
Swimming is a fun way to stay cool and be active. Before diving in, make sure you know these tips for staying healthy and safe while swimming.
- Avoid swallowing pool water or even getting it in your mouth. That’s just nasty!!
- Shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
- Take children on bathroom breaks or check diapers often.
- Keep an eye on children at all times. Kids can drown in seconds and in silence. Trust me, I used to be a lifeguard 🙂
- Never swim alone or in unsupervised locations. Teach children to always swim with a buddy.
- Don’t use air-filled swimming aids (such as “water wings”) with children in place of life jackets or life preservers. Look into “puddle jumpers for little ones”
Here’s the thing… we like you and want to keep you around. We want you to enjoy the summer but stay safe so you can enjoy it for years to come. As always, we are here if you have any questions or would like to discuss your current state of health. We are easily reached at 918-940-4630. Thank you for allowing us to be your chiropractor.