Protecting Your Health in the Heat

This article is courtesy of MPC intern, Bianca Jackson.

Understanding Heat-Related Risks

As the temperatures rise and people spend more of their time outdoors, summer comes with more enjoyment but also increased risks. From heat-related illnesses, accidental water-related incidents, or sun exposure, it’s important to be aware of common hazards. Heat exhaustion/heatstroke can happen quickly, especially when you’re in the sun/heat for a long time without proper hydration. Some signs of heat exhaustion/heatstroke include:

• Dizziness/confusion

• Nausea

• Excessive sweating

These symptoms should never be ignored. Remember to drink water regularly, even if you’re not necessarily thirsty.

Water and Sun Safety

Water safety is another big concern during the summer. Whether you’re at a beach, pool, or even a lake, risks of drowning increase, especially for children or people who aren’t experienced swimmers. Learning basic swimming skills, supervision, and wearing life jackets can reduce the risks of a water accident occurring. It’s also important to practice safety in the sun. Long periods of exposure to UV rays from the sun can lead to sunburn, skin aging prematurely, and the increased risk of skin cancer. To help prevent these things from happening, use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and get some shade from time to time.

Outdoor Activity and Injury Prevention

Some common outdoor activities during the summer are biking, hiking, and playing some outdoor sports. It’s important to remember to wear the appropriate gear, stay hydrated, and remain aware of your surroundings to prevent injuries.

Resources

For more information on tips for summer safety, visit the CDC's summer safety tip website, and the American Red Cross' summer safety tip website.