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We love Summer!
Do you remember the joy of racing out from school the last day to the freedom of the hot Georgia summer? Spending all day at the swimming pool, evenings spent catching lightning bugs (fireflies for our northern friends) and living off a diet of popsicles and watermelon. Yet, more than one person's summer fun has been stopped short because of a mishap needing medical attention.
To Keep Your Water Cannons Blasting Here Are Some Tips on Summer Safety
Do Not Forget the Sunscreen!
Nothing is more miserable than getting a sunburn. Not only is it painful and kicks you out of the summer fun, but it can also be a serious medical concern. Everyone needs sunscreen, no matter what skin type, ethnicity or age you are. Make sure to apply sunscreen before heading out into the sun. You should use at least one ounce of a Broad Spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Choose a sunscreen that is Water Resistant and reapply often as sweat and water will diminish it.
Avoid the hours when the sun is at its strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. whenever possible. Last, do not forget the sunglasses (99% UVA/UVB rays) and lip balm (SPF 15 or higher) to protect those sensitive areas.
In the event that you do get a sunburn, treat it quickly by cooling it down with a cool shower. Using Aloe Vera gel or a 1% cortisone cream can help ease some of the stinging discomfort. Take an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin to help with the pain as needed. Be sure to drink plenty of water to restore any fluid loss.
* See a Doctor if you experience blistering. Do not "pop" OR scratch the blisters to avoid infection in the area.
Summer is an active time both for traveling by car and pedestrian activities. When driving be cognizant of children playing close to streets. Be an alert and defensive driver when traveling on crowded holiday weeks such as Fourth of July and Labor Day.
When walking or playing outside be watchful for cars, landscapes and other obstacles that can cause falls or injuries. Remember to always watch children carefully at parks and playgrounds. Avoid these areas in the heat of the day when playground equipment can heat up to as hot as 170 degrees.
Practice Water Safety
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Water Safety at the Beach |
Pools and water areas are a wonderful way to combine fun and exercise. But the keyword is safety. Make sure to supervise children at all times. Children and unskilled swimmers should always have floatation help in the way of a Coast Guard Certified life-jacket.
If taking a picnic day by the water, also be observant when using a grill or bonfire. Summer burns are prominent this time of year. Also, do not forget to practice extreme safety with fireworks.
Watch for Insects
Insect stings are a significant cause of allergic reactions. Being outside means sharing territory with wasps, hornets and a Georgia favorite...the fire ants. Always wear some kind footwear. Avoid fragrances that may attract insects. Be sure to always throw away trash when in picnic areas.
When hiking, use a 20% or higher DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) insect repellent. Check for ticks when stopping for the day or before showering.
See a Doctor When Stings or Bites Result In:
- Trouble Breathing (wheezing, trouble swallowing, respiratory distress, etc.)
- Hives (Red, itching rash that can encompass tiny pimple-like bumps)
- Swelling of the face, throat or mouth
- Dizziness or Change in Pulse Rate
While safety may not be at the top of your summer fun list, taking a few precautions can help you and your family to enjoy those wonderful Georgia days of freedom. However, if you do have a summer mishap, the Morrow Family Medicine team is always here for you...and your jar full of lightning bugs.
Morrow Family Medicine is now available to see you at two locations:
Cumming - 1400 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 200, C
umming, Georgia 30041
Milton - 12970 Highway 9, Milton, Georgia 30004
We are committed to your health and well-being. We utilize state of the art technology and old fashioned attitudes to care for all our patients.
Take good care of yourself. Book an appointment for medical care at
Morrow Family Medicine
at the first sign of any health problem. To learn more about us visit Morrow Family Medicine's LinkedIn page. Morrow Family is the proud recipient of the Best of Forsyth award for 2015 and 2016.
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