As the summer months approach, people everywhere are preparing to take advantage of the long days, warmer weather, and outdoor activities that come with this season. Unfortunately, as people engage in activities like swimming, skateboarding, running, playing sports, and more, there’s an increased risk of injuries.
Also, researchers have discovered that a daily increase in extreme summer temperatures is associated with a 0.07 death rate per 100,000 adults. The study looked into the correlation between extreme summer temperatures and the mortality rate among adults. The research team concluded that individuals are at greater risk of death due to extremely hot temperatures during the summer months. In addition, the average annual summertime injury death rate in the United States was 3.67 deaths per 100,000 children.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to stay safe and avoid summer injuries. From choosing the right gear to taking regular breaks, these essential tips can help you enjoy your summer while also keeping yourself or your family safe. Read on to learn more about how to stay protected this summer.
Here are the different summer injuries that are more commonly seen during this time of the year and what causes them:
Sunburns, caused by UV radiation, are the most common summertime injury. If left untreated, they can lead to skin cancer.
Sprains and strains often occur in the summer when tendons or ligaments are overstretched.
Heatstroke is a dangerous condition with a body temperature over 105°F. Symptoms include confusion, breathing difficulties, sweating, dizziness, and, in severe cases, unconsciousness.
Insect bites are a common summer injury and can cause severe irritation and discomfort. They can also be dangerous if they become infected.
Food poisoning is a common summer injury that can cause painful, upsetting symptoms for days or weeks. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and chills. People may also experience dehydration, dizziness, and headaches. These symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
The potential for head injuries during the summer months has increased. Whether it's the result of a bicycle accident, a fall from a swing set, or a sports-related head knock, a head injury is a significant concern during the summer months.
Aside from these, there are four summer health hazards you need to avoid to enjoy the beautiful summer season without getting any injuries or illnesses.
If you are planning to take part in outdoor activities this summer, then it is important to stay safe and prevent injuries from happening. You can reduce the risk of common summer injuries for yourself and your family by following these seven (7) tips:
Whenever you engage in active sports or activities, wear clothing and protective gear that’s suitable and fits properly. You should wear wrist guards for inline skating and skateboarding, knee and elbow pads and gloves when biking or riding a scooter, mouth guards when playing contact sports, and always wear well-fitted helmets for biking, skateboarding, and any other activities that involve speed.
When temperatures rise, your body may not function properly if you don’t drink enough water. Athletes who drink “adequate fluid” are less likely to experience dehydration during exercise. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid heat-related illnesses that could put a damper on all of your summer plans.
Children between the ages of 5 and 14 are twice as likely to drown in a swimming pool as than any other age group. Supervise children at all times while they’re in and around the pool, no matter how well they’re able to swim. Adult swimmers should never go into the water alone. Enroll your children in swimming classes to help them learn proper safety and drowning-prevention skills.
Review the activities you or your children are planning to participate in to make sure they’re at an appropriate level. Most youth sports teams and organizations require age and skill level assessments before allowing kids to join. Never take part in an activity that’s too dangerous or strenuous for your age or fitness level.
Jumping into a rigorous activity without warming up first can put your body at risk of strains and sprains. Be sure to slowly increase your physical activity as the summer months start so that your muscles and joints are better prepared for the demands of outdoor activities.
If you’re in the sun and feeling dizzy, light-headed, or excessively sweaty, it is time for a break. Move into a shadier spot, rest, and drink plenty of water. You should also be sure to take frequent breaks during extended, high-intensity activities like running or biking long distances.
Everyone, regardless of their skin complexion, should wear sunscreen on a regular basis. Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can increase your risk of skin cancer and sunburn. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and wear protective clothing like long sleeves, pants, and hats.
By following these seven tips, you can keep yourself and your family safe and protected from summer injuries. Remember to stay hydrated, wear protective gear, practice proper pool safety, choose your activities wisely, warm up before exercise, take breaks from activity, and use sunscreen. Stay safe and stay active!
With summer here, it's important to stay safe and avoid injuries. If you’re looking online for a trusted “urgent care near me”, look no further. At Urgentcare of the Palm Beaches, we’re here to inform you on ways to stay safe during this beautiful season.
If any accidents do occur, Urgentcare of the Palm Beaches is here to provide you with top-notch medical care from board-certified doctors. Our location is clean and comfortable, and our staff is dedicated to providing high-quality, efficient care.
Come to one of our clinics near you this summer to stay safe and healthy:
***
Online Marketing for Doctors by RedCastleServices.com
