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Pathways •
www.langladehospital.org
SAFETY ISSUE
THE RISK
PREVENTIVE STEPS
Sun exposure
Too much time spent in the sun causes
sunburn and may lead to skin cancer.
Shun the sun and seek the shade. Wear protective clothing,
including a hat. And always wear sunscreen with a
sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
Heat illness
The temperature outside becomes so hot
that your body can’t cool down. Signs that
you’re in trouble include fatigue, dizziness,
headache, nausea and muscle cramps.
Stay indoors where it’s air-conditioned. If you don’t have
air conditioning at home, open windows and run a fan. Wear
loose, light clothing, and drink plenty of water.
Water sports
Thousands of people drown every year.
Many are children. It only takes a
moment for children to get into
trouble in the water.
Be sure your children know how to swim. Never leave
a child alone near water of any kind. Swim with at least
one buddy, preferably with a lifeguard present. Remember
that water sports and alcohol is a dangerous mix.
Foodborne
illness
Summer picnics are a prime time for
foodborne illness. That’s because the
bacteria that make you sick thrive when
it’s warm. Signs of food poisoning may
include diarrhea, vomiting and fever.
Wash fruits and vegetables before eating. Wash your hands
often too, especially before handling food. Keep raw meat
separate from other items, and be sure to cook all meat
thoroughly. Also, don’t leave food sitting in the heat and sun.
Bugbites
Don’t let the bugs bite:
w
Ticks can spread Lyme disease.
w
Mosquitoes can transmit
West Nile virus.
Use insect repellent when outdoors, but ask your pediatrician
what kind of repellent is appropriate for children. Check
everyone’s skin for ticks after outdoor activities. If you find one,
remove it with tweezers and clean the area with an antiseptic.
BAD WEATHER
can interrupt a summer day of fun, but an
accident or injury could ruin the entire season. What follows are some
common summertime health risks and steps you can take to prevent them.
Stay Safe
This Summer
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715-623-2331
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715-623-2351
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715-623-9455
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