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Summer is a wonderful time to get outside to enjoy nature and the beautiful weather, but it may not be as carefree as you think. Stay safe this season by watching out for these common risks right in your backyard.
1. Fun in the sun
Beautiful sun-filled days are one of the best parts of the summer, but too much of a good thing can be dangerous. Sunburns are a common side effect of fun in the sun, but they're nothing to make light of.
Sunburns are the result of too much exposure to UV light, and they can cause serious injury, including severe burns, eye damage and even skin cancer. In fact, UV rays are the No. 1 cause of skin cancer, so it's important to stay protected when you go outside.
This means covering up any exposed skin, wearing sunglasses (your eyes can get sunburned too!) and using sunscreen whenever you head out. For the best protection, apply broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 30 or more and reapply every two hours and after swimming. Keep in mind that as much as 80 percent of UV rays pass through clouds, so you're not off the hook when it's cold or overcast. By covering up and wearing sunblock, you can prevent sunburn and significantly reduce your risk for cancer.
2. Fire pits
Warm nights by the fire roasting marshmallows and telling ghost stories can feel like a dream. But if you're not careful, that dream can turn into a nightmare. Practice proper fire safety habits whenever you enjoy a fire in the backyard, camping or at the beach to ensure you and your family are protected.
The U.S. Fire Administration recommends the following:
- Keep the fire pit at least 3 feet away from the house or anything that can burn
- Use a fire screen to prevent sparks from floating out
- Always completely douse the fire before leaving the pit
Be sure to teach your kids about fire safety and warn them to keep a safe distance from a fire pit after use to prevent burns or other injuries.
3. Ticks and mosquitos
Bugs are understandably one of the more annoying parts of good weather, but they aren't just a pain in the neck; they can also pose a real health risk. Both ticks and mosquitos can carry and transmit disease to humans, so it's important to know how to protect yourself.
Mosquitos typically breed in warm, swampy areas like marshes, ponds and rivers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mosquito-borne diseases include:
- Zika
- West Nile Virus
- Malaria
- Dengue fever
- Yellow fever
Similarly, ticks can carry a real punch when it comes to transmitting diseases. These include
- Lyme disease
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Encephalitis
Use insect repellent anytime you plan to spend time outdoors, especially if you are hiking or heading out during peak exposure times. And be sure to check your local or state health department for information on insect risks in your area.
The outdoors bring added risks to your summer enjoyment but don't let that get you down. By keeping informed and making smart choices, you and your family can have fun and stay safe all summer long. For more information on how you can protect yourself this season, reach out to the professionals at MountainStar Healthcare.
