Sun, surf and sand: Summer health safety tips
By Julie Jordan
Published June 28, 2018
Summer is a fun and relaxing time of year with warm weather, bright, sunny days, kids out of school and families on vacation. Anything seems possible. Before you forget all your cares, follow these safety tips to ensure a good, healthy time.
Sun
The sun is a risk any time of year, but most people are out in it more during the summer. Don’t forget the dangers the sun poses to skin, eyes and the body’s hydration. Use these preventive measures:
- Protect your skin with sunscreen, clothing and a hat. Even darker-skinned individuals are at risk for skin cancer, which can be deadly. Wear sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher, and protective clothing, to shield your skin. Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours. Remember sweat and getting wet will cause your sunscreen to wear off. Be sure to reapply it.
- Seek shade during midday hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the sun is most powerful.
- Protect your skin also when around surfaces that reflect the sun’s rays (and harm your skin) like sand, water and concrete.
- Make sure to wear sunglasses with UV (ultraviolet) protection. Being out in the summer sun will strain your eyes, and put you at risk for cataracts and other eye problems.
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants, or a long skirt, for additional protection when possible, or try wearing a T-shirt or beach cover-up.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the heat, and limit strenuous outdoor activity to prevent heat-related illness when summer temperatures reach the mid-90s and above.
- Drink more water. Stay hydrated, regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to re-hydrate. Don’t drink liquids that cause you to lose more body fluid like alcohol, coffee or sugary drinks.
- Stay in an air-conditioned place, and wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Remember that taking a cool shower or bath is a more effective way to cool off than using fans.
- Want to look younger, longer? The sun and indoor tanning will age your skin with damage, wrinkles and age spots. Wear sunscreen, protect your skin and avoid indoor tanning.
Surf
Summer surf safety, or water safety, is a must for those wishing to enjoy beaches, lakes or pools. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day about 10 people die from unintentional drowning, and two are children ages 14 and under. Honestly evaluate your swimming ability and the water’s quality before plunging in. Better swimming skills mean safer swimming.
- Take swim lessons.
- Don't swim if you have diarrhea.
- Use these pool safety tips. And remember to check the pool, check yourself and protect yourself and others.
When swimming in oceans, lakes or rivers:
- For oceans, find information about your beach (closings, health advisories and water quality) through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- For lakes and rivers, limit the amount of water going up the nose in case of Naegleria fowleri.
- In freshwater, marine water and brackish water, Harmful Algal Blooms may be found. A HAB can produce poisonous toxins that may cause HAB-Associated illness in humans, animals and wildlife. Follow local state guidance and avoid entering or playing in water that smells bad, looks discolored, has foam or contains dead fish.
Also utilize the buddy system. Swimming without taking the proper precautions can lead to waterborne illness (germs spread by contaminated water), drowning and entrapment injuries.
A responsible adult should watch young children swimming or playing around water. Those watching children of pre-school age or younger should provide “touch supervision” or be close enough to reach the child always.
Parents should provide swim lessons for their children, and the elderly should consult with their physician before swimming.
Sand
Whether you spend your summer in places near or far, follow these tips during your time away from home for healthy traveling.
Domestic travel considerations
- Pollen and other allergies
- High altitudes
- Insects
- Weather
- Health conditions:
- Get a physical exam
- Pack your prescriptions
- Bring your health insurance information
- Remember food and fireworks safety
International travel considerations
Before
- Learn your destination’s health concerns.
- See your healthcare provider 4-6 weeks before your departure.
- Pack a travel health kit.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts at your destination.
- Leave copies of your itinerary and other important travel documents with someone at home in case of emergency.
- Consider buying additional health insurance.
During
- Consume food and beverages safely. Contamination can cause travelers’ diarrhea and other diseases.
- Take precautions with hot temperatures and sun exposure. See part one of this series on: Sun.
- Stop insect bites.
- Choose safe transportation and wear seatbelts. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among healthy U.S. citizens in foreign countries.
After
- You may not experience symptoms of travel-related illnesses until after returning home. If you do experience symptoms, you may wish to visit your healthcare provider.
For more information, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/features/summer-travel-abroad/index.html.