It's a sun-sense time of year
- July / August 2001
The long, hot, days of summer are here and we all know what that means ... fun in the sun. Here are some safety tips to help make your summer safe and enjoyable!
Sun Safety
We all look forward to warm weather and more sunshine. It is important, however, to protect ourselves from the sun's burning rays.
Too much ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun can lead to eye damage, premature aging of the skin, as well as skin cancer later in life. Damage to the skin does not go away: it continues to accumulate over the years. All skin colours are at risk! Most lifetime exposure to UVR occurs before age 18, so it is very important to protect children.
The good news is that we can prevent the damage from too much sunshine. Follow these simple steps:
- Limit time in the sun between 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are strongest.
- Look for shaded areas or create shaded areas for outdoor activities.
- Wear clothing to protect as much skin as possible (long-sleeved shirts and long pants of tightly woven material are recommended).
- Wear a hat with a wide brim or a back flap.
- Put on 100%, UVA/UVB protective sunglasses.
- Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher (30 or more is recommended for children) that provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
Follow these guidelines an cloudy days too. Up to 80% of UV radiation can pass through light clouds, fog and haze. (Information courtesy of Niagara Region Health Department)
Watch the Weather
For the first time, smog alerts occurred on a daily basis in Niagara in late June this year. Those hot, humid days are hard on everyone, particularly the very young and elderly as well as those with chronic lung conditions. Pay attention to the warnings issued through the media and check out the following website for air quality forecasts throughout Ontario, www.airqualityontario.com.
Here are few basic rules to follow on those high humidex days:
- Don’t go outside if you don’t have to.
- Invest in an energy-efficient air conditioner – it may add a little to the hydro bill, but your health is worth it! You will want to monitor your use, since air conditioners contribute to our smog problem.
- If you do go outside, stay in the shade, drink plenty of liquids (see Prevent Dehydration) and avoid strenuous exercise in the heat of
the day.
Prevent Dehydration
Water is an extremely important nutrient for your body. It does everything from regulating your body temperature (all that sweating on the aerobics floor helps cool down a hot body) to carrying waste products out of your system. Your body's daily water loss, on the average, amounts to about ten cups!
On average, adults need a little over 4 cups of water for every 1,000 calories they expend. So if you need 2,000 calories a day to keep that body moving, you should be gulping about 8.5 cups of water daily. If it's a hot or humid day or if you are physically active or exercising vigorously, you will need more. Most of us need a minimum of about eight to 12 cups a day. (Information courtesy of Dietician Joan Salge Blake)
Bicycle Safety
Every summer, our Emergency Departments see a number of patients – mostly children – who have been injured in bike accidents. The most serious injury is to the head. A bike helmet can help protect children and adults from head injury. Be sure your helmet fits according to package directions and is CSA-approved. It’s important to prevent injury by wearing protective gear like helmets.
Equally important is preventing bicycle accidents altogether:
- Always pay attention!
- Never bike against oncoming traffic.
- Follow all the rules of the road.
A bike accident can mean permanent injury – even death – so don’t fool around!
Water Safety
A refreshing dip in the pool is enticing for anyone in the summer heat, and children are particularly adept at slipping away without notice. Anyone with a pool in their backyard or neighbourhood must be vigilant when children are near. Double check that the pool gate is always locked and that fencing is properly maintained. Consider taking CPR training and invest in swimming lessons for your children. Those lessons could save a life!
Educate your children about the rules of pool safety:
- Never swim alone.
- Always swim with a responsible adult in attendance.
- No running around the pool deck/area.
- Have flotation devices ready at poolside.
- Check chlorine levels daily.
- Never swim without permission.
- No horseplay in pool area.
- Avoid diving.
- Avoid pump/suction area.
- Waterwings and other flotation devices are necessary for children who can’t swim.
The beach is another area where continuous vigilance is required. Many Niagara swimming beaches do not have lifeguards on duty, therefore, it is up to parents and guardians to ensure their children are monitored at all times.
By staying aware and following the above common-sense rules, summer activities will be fun and healthy for the whole family!