Sun and heat hazards

• Sunburn is a radiation burn caused by exposure to ultra-violet rays — UVA and UVB. You may not develop symptoms for several hours, but burning can actually begin in less than 15 minutes! It hurts and it's dangerous.
  
  It may be easy to shrug off the risk of skin cancer — not going to happen to you, right? — but think about this: Not only is your risk increased with a severe burn, but UVB causes DNA damage to cells which may be passed on in the genetic code. Your annual sunburn could be creating a greater risk of cancer, not just for you, but possibly even for your grandchildren.
  
  
• Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur with exertion, high external temperatures, and depletion of body fluids. They can become potentially fatal within minutes of developing symptoms.
  
  Obvious signs of heat exhaustion are:
  
  - Heavy sweating
  - A pale, ashy appearance
  - Clammy skin
  - Dizziness
  
  If someone stops sweating, becomes disoriented or confused, develops a fever over 102 degrees, or starts convulsing, call 911 immediately. These are symptoms of heat stroke.
  
  
• Dehydration can set in before you ever start to feel thirsty. Other symptoms are feeling dizzy or lightheaded, having a dry mouth, or less or darker than normal urine. If you feel dizzy from the heat, find some shade, drink some water, and rest for a few minutes. Death from dehydration alone usually takes several days, but your lack of body fluids can contribute to heat exhaustion. The combination can quickly become lethal.

Accidents

Prevention is your best defense against summertime accidents. For nearly all activities, you can stay reasonably safe with a few precautions.

• Know your abilities - Get professional instruction before tackling a new sport, and when you first go solo, take it slowly! Be realistic about what you're capable of doing.
  
  
• Know your surroundings - Be aware of risk factors such as water depth and currents, sharp trail inclines, and wild critters. When traveling, check weather and road conditions before heading out.
  
  
• Follow the rules - Rules of play make games safer, and rules of the road make cycling safer. Rules of the trail may keep you from breaking your neck, putting an eye out, or otherwise fulfilling your mother's dire prophecies! And by the way, appropriate safety gear should always be a non-negotiable part of the game!
  
  
• Actively supervise children, especially those under 15 years of age - Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death, after automobile accidents, in children between the ages of 1 and 14.
  
  Nearly 90 percent of children who drown are with a family member or caregiver at the time.* Just being around is not enough — adults must be actively watching the kids. And be sure they avoid neck injuries by not diving into shallow waters.
  
  
• Avoid alcohol while engaged in sports - Alcohol is a factor in over half of all teen and adult drowning and boating accidents. It also contributes to dehydration. And because alcohol slows reflexes and impairs judgment, it can make even smart people take dumb risks!
  
  

If something happens...

No matter how careful you are, accidents may still happen. Then what?

• Have a plan - It might seem creepy to discuss what to do in a life-threatening emergency, but if you already know how to respond, you won't have to think and panic at the same time!
  
  
• Find a buddy - You need someone who can run for help if you get in trouble.
  
  
• Maintain communication - If you're hiking or camping, find out in advance whether your cell phone will work where you're going. If not, take walkie-talkies and stay within range of your party. And take fresh batteries — a dead walkie-talkie is no good to anyone!
  
  
• Know your coverage options - This is an essential part of your overall plan. Be sure you know what your coverage is for emergency room treatment vs. urgent care, ambulance vs. your own vehicle, and other potential medical needs. What are your copayments? What's reimbursable? And where is your insurance card?
  
  

Bottom line:

Use sunscreen liberally, drink plenty of fluids, stick to the safety rules, watch children at all times, and prepare for emergencies. Follow these simple steps, and you can have a great, carefree summer.

Additional resources:

Bicycle Safety: How to Not Get Hit by Cars

www.kidshealth.org

www.surviveoutdoors.com: Outdoor Recreation and Safety