Published: July 17, 2019
It’s summer time and children are out of school, many folks are taking a vacation or planning one, and it’s probably hot outside! For hospitals and urgent care centers, however, this is a time of year to be ready. As people enjoy the outdoors and engage in more adventurous activities, the number of injuries and trauma incidents seen at hospitals double, compared to winter, according to Assist America. The most common causes of injuries during the summer include car accidents, severe sunburn, water-sports injuries, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and falls.
While everyone should enjoy their summer to the fullest, you and your family can also stay safe and healthy by following these safety tips:
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water or beverages high in electrolytes to avoid dehydration. Alcohol and caffeine are diuretics, so avoid excessive consumption of them. As always, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, especially those that have a lot of water; examples include grapefruits, peaches, eggplants and spinach.
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Avoid Sunburns: Use a broad-spectrum waterproof sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays. You should also stay in the shade between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., if possible, as those are the peak hours for sunburns. If you are out then, cover your skin and wear a hat. Don’t forget to look out for children, too, by keeping them in the shade as much as possible.
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Prevent Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke: Avoid participating in physical activities during the hottest hours of the day to prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke. If you are on vacation, slowly increase the amount of time you spend outside so that you can get acclimated to the hot weather. Continue to drink plenty of water or beverages high in electrolytes.
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Water Safety: Always be with someone else when engaging in water sports and follow the lifeguard’s instructions. Do not drink alcohol before participating in water activities. You should also take the time to get acclimated to the water temperature, since snow melts can cause rivers, lakes and streams to be much colder.
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Road Trip Safety: Make sure all maintenance on your car is done before departing on your trip, to minimize the risks of car accidents. Drive during off-peak hours, if possible, and allow plenty of time to arrive at your destination. Take frequent breaks – stop every 100 miles or two hours – while driving, and alternate drivers if possible.
As part of Western Health Advantage’s health plan, urgent care and emergency care services are covered wherever members are in the world. With our partner Assist America, anytime a member travels 100 miles or more away from home, even in a foreign country, he or she is eligible for Assist America’s assistance services, such as medical consultation and referrals, care of a minor child, lost luggage or document assistance, and other vital services that may arise while traveling.