Safe Summer Fun - Nikki Lorenzini

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 400 people die each year from the heat. The National Weather Service says that excessive heat was the number-one weather-related killer between 1994 and 2003 -- beating out floods, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms, and extreme cold.  Everyone is at risk for getting sick from the heat, but children and the elderly are most susceptible. How can you tell if you are getting sick from the heat? Nausea, dizziness, flushed/pale skin, heavy sweating, and headaches are all signs of heat illnesses. According to the Red Cross, if you are suffering from any of these illnesses, you should move to a cool place, drink cool water, and apply ice packs or cool wet cloths to your skin.

Here are some tips from the Red Cross for how to stay cool during the summer months:

- Wear light-weight, light-colored clothing. Lighter colors reflect some of the sun’s energy. Also, wear hats or use an umbrella.

- Drink lots of water! Drink constantly even if you don’t feel thirsty, and avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, which tend to dehydrate you.

- Avoid high protein foods because they will increase metabolic heat.

- Avoid strenuous activity, but if you can’t avoid it, do it between 4 and 7 a.m., which is the coolest part of the day.

The Web site of the American Academy of Pediatrics has a list of summer safety tips. Here is a quick list.

For pool safety, make sure there is a fence at least four feet high around the whole pool, with the gate opening out from the pool that has a self-close and self-latch. Never leave children unattended in or near the pool or spa area. Large inflatable pools are usually exempt from local pool fencing requirements, but an extra fence might a good idea, since children can lean on the soft sides and fall in.

On bug safety, use of scented soaps, perfumes, or hairsprays will attract the bugs. Stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods, and gardens in bloom have a higher population of bugs. DEET is needed to prevent insect-related diseases such as ticks that can carry Lyme Disease and mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus. Ten-percent DEET provides enough protection for about two hours. For more information on child safety, visit: http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/summertips.cfm  .

If you’re a sun lover, keep an eye out and use your sunscreen. SPF stand for Sun Protection Factor and it refers to the product’s ability to block the sun’s harmful rays. For example, SPF 15 allows you to be in the sun 15 times longer without being burnt. Dermatologists recommend using an SPF 15 or greater year-round for all skin types. People with fairer skin and who burn easily may want to use a higher SPF for additional protection. You will want to use a cream or lotion, because oils do not contain a sufficient amount of SPF. Also, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVB and UVA rays. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are the reason in premature aging and wrinkling of the skin.

Have a fun and safe summer. If you have any other summer safety tips, please comment and share the summer love!