With the hottest days of summer in full swing, the North Oaks Walk-In cinics
team urges you to keep your family safe and healthy with the following tips:
Look before you lock.
- High temperatures inside a closed vehicle have claimed the lives of almost
800 children nationwide since 1998, according to the National Safety Council.
- Never leave your child alone in the car! Make it a habit to always look
in the front and back of your vehicle before you lock it and walk away.
Avoid excessive sun exposure.
- Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, even late in the day and on
cloudy days to prevent sunburn and skin cancer. Also try to limit sun
exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Spoiler alert.
- Keeping food at proper temperatures is key in preventing the growth of
food borne bacteria.
- Never leave picnic food out for more than two hours, or one hour if outdoor
temperatures are above 90° F.
Hydrate.
- Drink a lot of water (six or more 8 oz. glasses daily).
- Prolonged outdoor activity may increase sweating and make you lose fluids
more rapidly than normal. Use sports drinks, which contain electrolytes
like sodium and potassium, to replace what the body loses through sweat.
- Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.
- Avoid alcoholic or sugar-filled beverages to conserve body fluid and very
cold drinks to avoid stomach cramps.
Swim safely.
- Swim with a buddy, and never leave a child unsupervised by or in a pool
or waterway.
- Also take note of weather conditions; strong winds and thunderstorms with
lightening strikes can have deadly consequences.
Wear shades.
- Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays and introduce this
habit to your children as early as possible.
- Regular use of sunglasses may reduce your risk of developing cataracts,
age-related macular degeneration and cancerous growths.
Keep your cool.
- Heat exhaustion and heat stroke happen when the body’s internal temperature
rises due to prolonged outdoor activity.
- Besides hydration, be sure to wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting
clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to keep your cool.
- Try to limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.