Nurse Vicky says... Remember to be SUMMER SAFE! 

Summer Safety Tips.

Summertime is a great time to be outside. It's sunny and hot, and the kids are out of school. Whether you choose to stay in the backyard or take the boat out for a ski trip, staying healthy is easy, but there's always the chance you or the kids could get hurt. Take some easy precautions to make sure your summer is as safe as it is fun.

Heat

Whether it's the weather, the grill, or Fourth of July fireworks, heat is the word of the season. Too much of it, especially in humid conditions, sucks the water right out of your system. To know if you're drinking enough fluids, look for dehydration symptoms like weakness, dizziness, headache and dry mouth.

In addition to dehydration, if you don't watch your temperature you run the risk of heat illness. Heat exhaustion comes from a combination of dehydration with an elevated core body temperature.Make sure to take frequent breaks to cool down and hydrate with water throughout the day.

Burns

Burns are also a sign of summer. Sunburns and thermal burns are treated very similarly, but they come from different sources. Sunburns are caused by radiation from the sun. They're more common in the summertime, but you can get a sunburn anytime you're in the sun, even on the ski slopes in the dead of winter. Thermal burns are caused by heat. Always remember to use sunblock to prevent sunburns.

Activity

Besides the heat and the wildlife, just being outside and being active can lead to injuries. By all means, get out and get moving, but be ready to handle broken bones and bleeding.Take the time to protect yourself when doing outdoor activities, always use the right satety equipment.

Swimming is one of my family's favorites. We spend hours in the pool and at the beach, but safety is always a huge part of our summer fun. It's possible to be safe and have a great time, too. Never go swimming alone. Always have adult supervision when children are swimming.

No matter what your favorite summer pastime is, make sure you are prepared to handle whatever unexpected things come your way.

ENJOY YOUR SUMMER AND STAY SAFE!