Prevent heat
stress, illness and injury with these warm-weather tips:
stress, illness and injury with these warm-weather tips:
· Wear sunscreen daily. Use a
broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Don’t forget ears, neck,
scalp, hands and feet. Reapply every two hours.
broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Don’t forget ears, neck,
scalp, hands and feet. Reapply every two hours.
· Wear insect repellent with DEET,
picaradin or oil lemon eucalyptus to protect against mosquito bites, which can
transmit West Nile Virus. To further protect against mosquito bites, stay
inside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, wear long sleeves and
pants and drain standing water on your property.
picaradin or oil lemon eucalyptus to protect against mosquito bites, which can
transmit West Nile Virus. To further protect against mosquito bites, stay
inside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, wear long sleeves and
pants and drain standing water on your property.
· Drink plenty of fluids. During
hot weather, increase your fluid intake, regardless of activity level. Don’t
wait until you’re thirsty to drink. During heavy exercise in a hot environment,
drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour.
hot weather, increase your fluid intake, regardless of activity level. Don’t
wait until you’re thirsty to drink. During heavy exercise in a hot environment,
drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour.
·
Keep kids and pets out of parked cars, even with the windows down.
Keep kids and pets out of parked cars, even with the windows down.
· Be sure your tetanus vaccine is up to date. Playing outdoors can mean getting cuts that may become
infected with bacteria found in soil, including the ones that cause tetanus. A
booster shot is recommended every 10 years.
infected with bacteria found in soil, including the ones that cause tetanus. A
booster shot is recommended every 10 years.
· Pay attention to food temperatures when planning or attending a picnic, barbecue or potluck.
Food that’s been out too long can make you sick. A general rule of thumb:
Perishable food should not be kept at room temperature longer than four hours,
including preparation time.
Food that’s been out too long can make you sick. A general rule of thumb:
Perishable food should not be kept at room temperature longer than four hours,
including preparation time.
·
Before mowing, clear the lawn of any rocks, sticks or
children’s toys. Consider wearing goggles or other protective
gear before mowing or doing other yard work or handiwork around the house.
Before mowing, clear the lawn of any rocks, sticks or
children’s toys. Consider wearing goggles or other protective
gear before mowing or doing other yard work or handiwork around the house.
· Swim with a buddy. Watch
children in or near water closely at all times. Never dive head first into
shallow water or a lake where you can’t see the bottom.
children in or near water closely at all times. Never dive head first into
shallow water or a lake where you can’t see the bottom.
· Stay on the trail when hiking. Tell someone else where you are going and when you expect
to be back. Take plenty of water and food, as well as a compass, sunscreen and
extra clothes.
to be back. Take plenty of water and food, as well as a compass, sunscreen and
extra clothes.