As the summer months quickly approach, explore helpful tips to keep you and your entire family healthy and safe all season long!
The official start of summer is just around the corner, bringing longer days, warmer weather, vacations from work, and a break from school for kids. As you enjoy the season, discover helpful tips to keep you and your entire family healthy and safe all summer long.
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 Medical Care All Summer Season Long
For all your summertime emergencies, NW Indiana ER & Hospital is here to help you and your loved ones any day, any time. Our dedicated team of physicians, combined with onsite laboratory and imaging capabilities, makes it convenient for our community to receive comprehensive care no matter the illness or injury, all in one location.
Open all summer long, day and night, discover the care you need, when you need it most — so you can get back to enjoying your summer.
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.
