Summer brings some of the most anticipated moments of the year: days at the pool, backyard cookouts, and fireworks lighting up the Fourth of July sky. It also poses real risks worth knowing about before they become emergencies. Hospitals and health systems are ready to help when something goes wrong, and they are also a resource before anything does. Reach out to your local hospital for community health resources, specialty care, and expert guidance you can trust.
Sun Safety
Prolonged time spent outdoors means prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and the risks are real. Skin cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in the United States, and overexposure to UV rays is a leading cause. Protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 can make a meaningful difference. Check the expiration date on your sunscreen and reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Heat exhaustion is another summer risk that can sneak up quickly. Signs include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headache. Drinking plenty of water, resting in shaded areas, wearing lightweight clothing, and limiting outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day are straightforward steps that can protect the whole family.
Water Safety
On average, 11 unintentional drowning deaths occur every day in the United States, and one in five involve children 14 and younger. Close supervision near water is the most important protective step any adult can take. Additional precautions include ensuring inexperienced swimmers wear lifejackets, enrolling children in swim lessons, and choosing lifeguarded areas whenever possible.
Fireworks Safety
Around 64 percent of all reported fireworks injuries occur in July alone. Burns, eye injuries, and lacerations are among the most common. The safest choice is attending a professional display conducted by trained experts. For those who choose to use fireworks at home: maintain adult supervision at all times, keep a safe distance from anything that is lit, never hold lit fireworks or aim them at others, and keep a bucket of water nearby in case of a fire.
Whatever your family’s summer plans, your local hospital and health system are partners in keeping your community healthy, safe, and ready for whatever comes next.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/sun-safety/index.html
https://www.bannerhealth.com/staying-well/safety/child/summer
https://www.bannerhealth.com/staying-well/safety/child/fireworks