Original Art by Marcia Naspud

Note: I am not a licensed medical professional. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Summer is a great time to relax and cool off, whether you plan on going to the beach or traveling. But how do we make sure we stay safe no matter where we are? Here are some tips to keep in mind while on vacation.

• Make sure to put on sunscreen with SPF 50 (or higher) every 2 hours when you head outside to keep yourself safe from sunburn and ultraviolet rays. These can lead to skin cancer and skin disease.

• When swimming in a pool, try swimming in the shallow water first before you go into the deeper end and make sure a lifeguard is on standby. If there’s no lifeguard, don’t go in the water.
• Avoid swimming in lakes or rivers, especially those with warnings near them.
• Wear mosquito repellent every 4–8 hours to stay safe from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry. If you’re camping, turn off any lamps you have to avoid attracting bugs.
• To prevent summer season allergies, known as summer hay fever, purchase allergy medications such as Zyrtec ahead of time. There are also other allergy medications that might work better for you, including nasal sprays and Benadryl.
• Carry at least 500 mL of water at all times to avoid dehydration/heat stroke, and seek shelter in extreme heat.
• If you see someone drowning, alert a lifeguard. If no one’s around, perform basic CPR on them after retrieving them from the water. Make sure to call emergency services first.
  • Ask if they are ok. If they don’t respond, perform CPR by pushing down on their chest at least 2 inches deep, at 100-200 compressions per minute. Allow their chest to rise completely between each compression. There are videos online to help you learn how to do this.

The summer is usually fun and exciting, but it can take a turn for the worse if you don’t watch out for your health. Be sure to stay safe and enjoy your wonderful summer!