Top Five Tips – Summer Safety
As the weather warms, and we enjoy more time outdoors, here are five tips to keep you and your loved ones healthy, all summer long!
Keep it cool
Drink plenty of water, before you are thirsty.
Eat more fruits and vegetables with high water content, like watermelon and cucumbers.
Stay on the lookout for symptoms of heat related illness – children, older adults, and those with medical conditions are at greatest risk.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include skin rash, dizziness, muscle cramping, nausea or vomiting, heavy sweating, rapid breathing and heartbeat, headache, thirst, dark urine or decreased urination. If you experience these- move to a cool place and drink liquids.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency, call 911 immediately if experiencing confusion, dizziness/fainting, red hot skin (without sweating). If possible and safe, move the person to a cool place, apply cold water, and fan the person while waiting for help.
2. Seek shade
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and reapply every 2 hours.
Seek shade and keep out of the sun between 11 am and 3 pm.
Wear loose fitting, light-colored clothing, and wide brimmed hats.
There is no “healthy tan”, unprotected exposure to the sun causes skin and eye damage, and increases risk for skin cancer.
3. Avoid the bugs
Wear light-colored, loose clothing.
Wear long pants and tuck in your pants inside socks or shoes, or tape the cuffs of your pants.
Use an approved insect repellent. Apply sunscreen before insect repellent.
Use mosquito netting to cover playpens and strollers.
Shower, change, and wash clothing after outdoor activities.
Check family members, pets, and clothing for ticks after outdoor activities.
4. Splash safely
Always keep children within arm's reach, never leave a child alone, even if they can swim.
Make sure children and new swimmers wear properly fitted life jackets.
Where possible, swim in areas where lifeguards are on duty.
Watch for currents and changes in the lake or river bottom.
5. Travel wisely
Visit a travel clinic at least 6 weeks before you travel, they may recommend vaccines or medications to protect against illnesses.
Keep up to date with travel advice and advisories.
To learn more:
First aid advice for sunburn and heat related illness https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/sun-safety/first-aid-advice-sunburn-heat-illness.html
Tick bites https://www.rideaufht.ca/news/its-tick-season
Water safety https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/water-safety.aspx#Summer-Water-Safety
