Summer Fun
Healthful Survival Tips
Summer does not only mean having fun with outdoor activities... it can also bring on dehydration, sunburn and bug bites if you are not careful. Here are some tips to make your summer a healthy and safe one.
Heat Related Illnesses:
The three conditions brought on by heat and dehydration are:
- Heat Cramps
- Heat Exhaustion
- Heat Stroke
It is important to stay well-hydrated and to be sensible about exertion in hot, humid weather. The best fluid to drink when you are dehydrated is water but sports drinks such as Gatorade are fine, too.
Sunburns:
A sunburn results when the amount of exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light source exceeds the ability of the body's pigment to protect the skin.
How to prevent sun exposure:
- Wear sunscreen with a high SPF
- Wear protective clothing
- Wear ultraviolet-protected sunglasses
Bug Bites:
Warm weather months often include run-ins with bugs and bees.
Symptoms of insect bites and stings vary depending on where you are stung and how sensitive you are to the sting. The most common symptoms are:
- Limited areas or pain
- Swelling with redness
- Itchy
Trail Etiquette - Share the Trail!
Trails are very popular during the summer months and whether you are biking, walking, jogging or roller-blading, your trip will be more enjoyable if you follow these guidelines:
- Keep to the right
- Pass on the left
- Give audible warning BEFORE passing
- Don't block the trail
- Obey all traffic signs and signals
- Be courteous of other users
- Be respectful of private property
- Clean up litter
Sources: "The Body Works, A Student's Guide to Getting and Staying Well", 7th edition; the web site <www.drreddy.com/heat.html>; "Share the Trail", pamphlet produced by the International Bicycle Fund.
