It’s summertime, and the living is…well, certainly not easy, but there is something about the return of summer sunshine that gives us a bit of hope. Even in difficult times, the brightening days can help us feel a little better.
That said, as coronavirus continues to impact communities, doctors are urging caution as we move into the summer. While you might think that the coronavirus has kept more people safe at home, the reality is that trauma doctors are seeing just as many cases as they see every year. It’s just the types of injuries that change.
And with that in mind, families need to be smart about managing summer activities. Here are a few ways to keep everyone safe.
Types of Common Injuries During Summer
The number of injuries during the summer aren’t any higher or lower than any other time of year. It’s the type of injuries that change, thanks to the changing activities of the year. Knowing the injuries that are common can help you avoid the worst of them – mostly by paying attention to your own behavior.
A few more common injuries in the summer include:
- Heat-related illness
- Swimming injuries
- Drowning
- Burns
- Cuts
- Food poisoning
- Gastroenteritis
- Sports injuries
- Skin irritation
- Sunburns
All of these injuries and illnesses have something in common: changing summer weather. We’re more likely to spend time outside, which means more heat and sun exposure.
Take Precautions
With that in mind, the best thing you can do to protect yourself is to take precautions.
The coronavirus pandemic remains ongoing, which means everyone should still be taking the appropriate precautions to protect themselves. That means social distancing, wearing a mask in public, washing your hands frequently, and following CDC guidelines.
You should also follow the 20-minute rule–drink water every 20 minutes. In the heat, you’re losing water faster than usual, which means dehydration can happen much faster.
Pay Attention
But above all, the key to safety, as with any other time of year, is to pay attention.
Be aware of how much time you spend in the sun. You should take breaks from the sun and heat frequently, drinking water when you do. Put on sunscreen every day and keep some on hand to refresh throughout the day.
Also, keep in mind that heat and sweat are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Always keep first-aid supplies on hand to quickly clean a wound and prevent infection, whether you’re at work or at home.
Turn Up the Heat on Safety
The world seems to be turning upside down, but some safety risks remain consistent. The good news is that you can control for these hazards once you’re aware of them. After all, the first step in safety is awareness.
And if you need more tips to keep everyone safe and sound this summer, make sure to check out our blog – we cover a bit of everything, from the coronavirus pandemic to the evolving state of EHS during these difficult times to everyday safety tips anyone can use.
