Summer fun is already here and going strong. Whether you’re going on vacation or staying home, you’ll want to remember how to keep you and your loved ones safe. Here are some tips to prevent illness and injury from spoiling your fun.
Swimming Pools
- Don’t swim in cloudy, smelly or off-colored water. The water may be irritating or unhealthy — even if it smells strongly of chlorine.
- Learn CPR. Free classes are available. With hands-on training, you could save someone’s life.
- Get out when storms are coming. Electricity races through water and metal handrails, making lightning a serious electrocution risk.
Beaches
- Check conditions before you go. Large waves, high tides, sewage contamination and storms are all good reasons to postpone a beach day.
- Don’t overestimate your ability. Ocean swimming is nothing like pool swimming. Unpredictable waves and currents can knock you down and drag you far from shore.
- Protect your feet. Sand and water can hide sharp shells, glass shards and beach critters.
Sun and Heat
- Stay cool. Wet your hair and shirt, dress in lightweight clothes, wear a neck fan and bring a frozen water bottle.
- Hydrate continuously. Drink plenty of cool water before, during and after hot activities. Add electrolytes or a low-sugar flavoring to make it more enticing.
- Pace yourself. Go slower and take more breaks than you do when it’s cooler.
Bugs
- Know what doesn’t work. Coiled bracelets, citronella candles, bug zappers and yoga pants won’t protect you from mosquitos.
- Test the best options. Netting, topical DEET or picaridin, and permethrin-treated clothing can all stave off biting insects. Find what works for you that you’ll actually use.
- Check for ticks. Lyme is just one of several tick-borne diseases that can trigger chronic and severely disabling symptoms.
Be protected and stay safe while enjoying your summer. Have questions about how your coverage would work if you needed urgent care or got sick on vacation? Give us a call.
