It’s been weeks since you had to use your shovel. The days are getting longer and temperatures are on the rise. This can mean only one thing—spring is here and summer is just around the corner! With this in mind you might be tempted to sign up for that tennis tournament going on this weekend or maybe head for the park for a game of basketball. Don’t reach for your racquet and head for the courts quite yet and hold off on picking teams for the basketball game. You may want some tips to ensure your summer experience is safe and injury-free.
Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and get more active. Kids like to dive into summer to relax, unwind, and have fun. Warm weather brings more opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. It is important to stay safe while enjoying swimming, boating, hiking, biking, and more. But the seasonal fun sometimes comes with a price. Don’t let common injuries keep you from making the most of sunshine. Summer is right around the corner, many people will be firing up the BBQ and dipping into swimming pools to beat the heat. Here are quick fixes for those summertime mishaps:
- Minor burns – to treat, run under cool water for 10-15 minutes to reduce the swelling. Apply antibiotic ointment, not butter! If there is pain, apply an ice pack, but not directly on exposed skin, use cloth as a barrier.
- Sprains – Apply a cold compress for 20 minutes at a time, wrap if necessary, if sweeping and pain persists, seek medical attention.
- Scrapes and cuts – For minor scraper and cuts, wash with gentle soap and water or even plain water if necessary, apply antibiotic ointment and bandage lightly. If you can’t stop bleeding or cut is deep, seek medical attention.
- Bee stings – Remove stinger if present by gently rubbing your fingernail or a credit card over it parallel with the skin, wash with soap and water and apply calamine lotion or a paste of baking soda and water to neutralize venom and discomfort. If known allergy exist and the person has trouble breathing or hives give them an antihistamine such a benadryl and call 911 or go to nearest ER.
- Snake bits – Call an ambulance or get to nearest hospital. Keep limb lower than the heart and stay calm. Don’t suck the wound.
- Bug bites – With mosquito,tick, and spider bites, ice can reduce swelling and discomfort. Calamine lotion can reduce itching. If there is a rash, or swollen glands develop , and redness is at site have it checked by a healthcare professional.
Not only should you be aware of injuries but the signals your body sends as it begins to heat up, you need to act accordingly. Stop all activity and call a doctor if you develop a headache, lose coordination, feel dizzy, develop muscle cramps, stop sweating or begin to feel nauseous—all could be signs of heat-related illnesses. Know when to quit playing. Common sense goes along way in preventing heat related illnesses. Enjoy the warm weather and all the opportunities it provides for outdoor activities. Just be sure to keep safety in mind and take the necessary precautions needed for a safe and healthy summer. After all, fun in the summer sun only applies if your injury free!