Summer brings with it more time outdoors, and more chances for exposure to insects, water, and potential accidents. While summer fun is definitely something to look forward to each year, it’s also extremely important to take precautions to stay as safe as possible. Follow these easy guidelines to increase your family’s overall safety, so that you can have more fun and worry less.
Drive Safely
There are more individuals and families than ever on the roads during the summer. More traffic can mean an increased risk of accidents, with more drivers on unfamiliar roads. There are around 6 million car accidents on U.S. roads each year, and it’s important to make sure that you aren’t involved in one of them if at all possible. Check your vehicle for safety before long road trips, ensure you have enough gas, and drive safely throughout your entire trip to reduce your chances of being involved in an accident.
Use Bug Repellents
Mosquitoes and ticks can carry diseases, and they are far more common in the summer months. Avoid the spread of Lyme disease, Zika, and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) by using an appropriate bug repellent each time you’re outdoors in an area with woods or tall grass. Treat your pets with flea and tick prevention, as well, to avoid these insects spreading diseases to your animals.
Be aware when you’re Outdoors
Poison oak, ivy, and sumac grow in numerous locations, including on trees, in the grass, and vining into bushes. These plants carry a powerful oil called urushiol. Around 85% of humans are allergic to this oil and experience a rash, and many of these individuals experience a severe rash that will need medical treatment. Poison ivy can be found in 48 U.S. states, only missing from Alaska and Hawaii. Luckily, there are essential oils for poison ivy that you can find online.
Stay Hydrated
The human body is made up primarily of water, and even mild dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue, and discomfort. Staying hydrated in the summer is especially important, as, without proper hydration, you may experience heat-related illnesses. Most people need to drink 6-8 glasses of water per day in order to stay hydrated. This amount may vary depending on your activity level, the temperature, and whether you’re out in direct sunlight or wind. Pay attention to signs that your body is giving you that you may be getting dehydrated, and take frequent breaks throughout the day to drink water, especially if you’re outdoors in the summer heat.
Keep your Bubble Small
Limiting the number of people that you are exposed to can help keep your family as healthy as possible. Each time they’re exposed to someone, you’re exposed to them through your children, and this can spread diseases like the common cold. Private schooling is one easy way to limit the number of people that your kids are exposed to. In fact, 87% of private schools have less than 300 students, making them a great option when you need to keep contact low.
Pay Attention to the Forecast
If you live in an area where the heat index regularly reaches dangerous levels, pay attention to how hot it will be each day and plan your activities accordingly. Avoid strenuous outdoor activities if it will be an extremely hot day, and instead plan them for days where the temperature is lower. Otherwise, you may be putting your body at risk by exercising or working outdoors on a day where it’s difficult for you to regulate your core body temperature.
Staying safe in the summer doesn’t have to be difficult. These choices will help you and your family stay safe while enjoying all the fun that summer has to offer.
