Stay Healthy and Safe this Summer

Summer is quickly approaching and there are a few safety tips you should remember, in order to maximize fun and minimize potential problems. 

In the United States, the most common form of cancer is skin cancer, but there are many steps to protect and prevent it from happening. Most people tend to forget that, ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, shine down even on cloudy days. If you are outside for long periods at a time, remember the following advice.

• The sun is at its strongest from 10am to 4pm, so get shade during that period.
  
• Even if you are covering your skin up with cotton clothing, the UV rays can still burn you.
  
• Protect your eyes by wearing a large hat or UV protection sunglasses.
  
• Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
  
• Give time for the sunscreen to dry before going outside. 15 to 30 minutes should be enough time. Reapply every 2 hours in the sun and more often if you're swimming or sweating.
  

To avoid heat-related illness, drink plenty of water or liquids with electrolytes. Know the symptoms of heat rash and heat stroke to prevent serious problems. If you have young children, never leave them alone in the car with the windows rolled up.

For most people, insect bites and bee stings aren't dangerous. But for people who are allergic to them, bites and stings can cause a potentially deadly allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock. This must be handled as a medical emergency. When in the woods, wear long sleeves and pants to prevent tick bites. Most tick bites are harmless. But many types of ticks carry and spread Lyme Disease.

If you’re going on a road trip this summer, make sure to remain alert. That means don’t get distracted by the sightseeing, reading, eating or using a cell phone while you are driving. Whether you're driving, biking or running, stay focused on the road and be aware of the drivers and conditions around you. There will be more drivers on the road if the gas prices remain steady, so be prepared for that. Always wear your seatbelt and ask all the passengers in your car to do the same.

As much as drivers are told to respect the road, bikers need to do the same. That means driving on your lanes and knowing that in a battle between a car and a bike, a bike will likely always lose. So make sure your bike is the right size and always wear a helmet that fits you. For the most protection, use a bike light and wear light-colored clothes.