Great ways to stay safe all summer long

Spring is here and summer is nearly upon us. That means fun outdoors! But with all of that warm-weather fun comes a risk for injuries. Here are some tips for avoiding some of the most common reasons for summertime ER visits:

Bicycles. Make sure everyone in the family is wearing a helmet when they ride a bicycle. Here are some safety tips for adults and children.

Water: Make sure there is plenty of supervision around water and that small kids don’t go out into the water by themselves. And make sure everyone wears a life jacket any time they’re out on the water. Don’t jump into a lake or pond where the water is murky without knowing what’s underneath. Take a few minutes to review these safety tips from the American Red Cross.

Insect bites/stings: The best way to avoid stinging insects is to stay away from flowering plants or orchards or refuse piles. Wear long sleeves and long pants and make sure you’re wearing plain colors. Don’t wear floral prints and don’t use perfume. Review these safety tips if you will be anywhere with mosquitoes or ticks.

Sunburn: The best way to prevent sunburn is to wear long sleeves, long pants and a hat. If you have children less than six months, they shouldn’t be exposed to sun at all. If you’re going to be outside, wear sunblock, and put it on before going outside. It’s not as effective if you put it on after you’ve already been outdoors for awhile. Check out this handy guide to staying safe in the sun.

Heat Exhaustion: Heat exhaustion is difficult to detect, but if you notice a child who was sweating now isn’t and is acting lethargic, get them into shade and get fluids in them. And be aware it can happen even in the water. Once you see the signs, move quickly. Get them out of the sun and give them fluids.

Dehydration: It’s most common in the heat of the day, especially when it’s humid. The common symptoms are dizziness, and you can pass out if it’s significant. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time outside, please review this important information designed to help your family prevent dehydration.