Summer Safety

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

The weather is getting warmer, more people are getting outside, and overall everyone is seeming happier. Yes, it is indeed approaching summertime fast! With the sun staying out longer and the weather getting warmer, there are many things to do to enjoy the season of summer. However, just like any other season of the year, it is very important to make sure to always consider the safety aspect of any activities you do.

How about biking? Biking is a hobby of many people because not only is it a fun and efficient way to get around, but it is also very good for your health. However, just like jogging in the streets, there are safety precautions that should be taken to ensure that you have a fun and safe time while riding, these include:

• Wearing helmets to greatly reduce the risk of brain injury. 
• When riding at night, always wear reflective clothing, a headlight, and add a rear reflector to your bike.
• Ride with the flow of traffic, not against it.
• Follow the rules of the road, and obey all traffic signals and signs.
• Use directional hand signals when turning.

Swimming at pools or lakes is another very common summer activity. Swimming is a fantastic exercise, plus it is also very fun to get together with friends and family and soak up the sun while staying cool in the water. Here are some tips on staying safe when swimming:

• Swim at places that have lifeguards when possible.
• Always use the buddy system by swimming with a friend.
• Always check local weather conditions and warnings before swimming. Avoid dangerous conditions like thunderstorms or strong currents.
• Avoid drinking alcohol before and during water activities as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that among adolescents and adults, alcohol use is involved in up to 70 percent of deaths associated with water recreation.

Soaking up the sun is a very healthy thing as sunlight gives our bodies vitamin D. However, when in excess, exposure to the sun can cause sunburns which can in turn lead to skin cancer. Here are some tips on how to obtain just the right amount of sunlight to stay healthy:

• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Be sure to reapply your sunscreen as directed.
• Wear protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses to minimize the effect of the sun’s rays.
• Sweating in the heat of the sun requires you to stay hydrated so keep water or sports drinks on hand if you know you will be out in the heat for an extended amount of time.

Thank you for your time and attention! Let’s make it safe this Monday!

Phil Kwitek

Demand Generation Specialist, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company