Summer is a time for fun, outdoor activities. But you might be surprised to learn it’s also the busiest season for the emergency room. Six of the most common summer hazards are: heat stroke, drowning, bicycle accidents, car accidents, sun damage, and insect bites and stings.
A recent article in the online version of the Dallas Morning News provided advice to readers on how to avoid injury from these hazards. Among other tips:
- To avoid heatstroke, stay out of the direct sun during the hottest part of the day and drink lots of water and fluid replacements. Never leave a child alone in a car, even with the window slightly open.
- Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death among children ages 1 to 14. To avoid tragic accidents, never leave children unattended around pools, lakes, oceans or bathtubs. When boating, all participants should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
- To reduce the risk from insect bites (which can cause severe allergic reactions), use insect repellant (although avoid putting it around the eyes, mouth and open wounds, and use it sparingly around the ears). Wear light-colored clothes, and tuck your pant legs into socks and shirts into pants so your skin is not exposed.
