Don't Be Lazy About Summer Safety

The lazy days of summer are not so easy for hospital ERs. The spoils of the season lurk in popular outdoor activities, leading to many injuries and trauma. Remember the basic safeguards this time of year.

In the water:

• Don’t drink alcohol before swimming or while operating a boat
• Know the weather forecast before you head out in a boat.
• Wear floatation devices.
• Don’t swim alone or when tired.
• Don’t dive into a pool or any other body of water; walk into the water.

In the woods:

• Wear appropriate clothing that protects against ticks, plants and weather changes.
• Wear high boots if snakes are a concern.
• Avoid stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.
• Pack water, a bee-sting kit and other emergency supplies when hiking deep in unpopulated areas.

In the backyard:

• Be cautious when using pesticides or power equipment.
• Keep kids away from a hot barbecue grill.
• Pace yourself in the garden and don’t overdo it — an extra 20 minutes of digging or weeding isn’t worth spending the next day nursing a backache.

Insist on safety gear at work and play: helmets while biking, safety goggles for eyes, face mask behind home plate, as well as sunglasses and sunscreen.

First step when someone is hurt: THINK. Quickly study the situation, then act promptly. 

Learning to recognize symptoms is an important skill. It can help you determine whether an ailment requires self-care or emergency medical aid.

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