Discover the tips for a healthy and safe summer for you and your entire family!

Summertime means longer days, hotter weather, vacation from work, and no school for kids. During this time, you must keep the health and safety of yourself and your loved ones top of mind.

Approximately 25% of medical ER visits occur during the summertime, with a spike around major holiday events. Do not fall into this statistic!

The most common summer injuries families see are:

• Bicycle Injuries
• Drowning
• ATV Accidents
• Sun-Related Injuries

How can you ensure you and your loved ones proceed with caution?

The Family Summer Fun Health & Safety Checklist 

Discover the tips for a healthy and safe summer for you and your entire family!

1. Practice Water Safety

The hot summer sun calls for pools, lakes, and a trip to the nearest beach. Unfortunately, drowning, especially from ages one to fourteen is the leading cause of unintentional death. It’s important to keep yourself and your children safe in the water.

• Adult Supervision is Imperative
• Use Lifejackets
• Remember, Drowning Happens Silently

2. Practice Sun Safety 

As the days get longer and the temperature gets hotter, it is imperative to protect your body against harmful sun rays.

• Wear Sunscreen of SPF30 or Higher
• Monitor The Time of Day Outside
• Wear Protective Clothing Like Sunglasses and Hats
• Never Leave Children in The Car

3. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is critical in the heat. Even if you are not thirsty, water is needed to prevent dehydration.

• Drink Water About Every 15-20 Minutes
• Have A Water Spray Bottle Handy
• Know The Signs of Dehydration

4. Use Helmets

Summer means outdoor activities and fun. Everyone – adults and children – should wear a helmet when they are on anything with wheels (scooter, bicycle, skateboard, roller skates, etc.). A helmet drastically reduces the risk of head injuries or even death when using something with wheels.

5. Have Insect Repellent Handy 

Bugs are more than just annoying; they potentially carry dangerous diseases. After hibernating all winter, they come out in loads and are around the whole summer.

• Use Bug Spray on the Entire Body, Even Spray Clothes
• Remove Any Standing Water
• Check Children Outside Play Area for Nests
• Avoid Scented Soap and Perfumes

24/7 Expert Emergency Care

For all your summertime emergencies, NW Indiana ER & Hospital is here to get you and your loved ones feeling better quicker. With our board-certified team of physicians and onsite laboratory, we provide the community with the most accurate care possible. Open 24/7/365, come on in for all adult and pediatric emergency medical care needs.

Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, NW Indiana ER & Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor