It seemed like the warm weather would never arrive. Now, while another beautiful Michigan summer is in full swing, keep these summer safety hints in mind.
Don't get burned "Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 is recommended," advises family medicine specialist John Connors. "But even more important than the strength of the sunscreen is when and how often you apply it. Apply it well before you go out in the sun, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Protecting yourself from the sun helps prevent skin cancer and premature aging of the skin - wrinkles."
"For kids, choose a sunscreen that is labeled safe for children," adds Henry Ford Macomb pediatrician Siegfried Schweighofer, MD. "Even with sunscreen, take intermittent breaks from the sun, and keep in mind, most clothing only has about 30 SPF. Be sure children wear sunglasses as well."
Drink up "Stay well-hydrated," adds Dr. Connors, on staff at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital - Warren Campus. "Infants, toddlers and the elderly are most at risk of dehydration. Be sure to keep plenty of water on hand. Maintain your energy level by limiting fats and refined sugar. Instead, eat fruits, carbohydrates and vegetables."
Got meds? Summer means time out of doors and often out of town. If you use any medications, be sure you have them when you need them. "If you have asthma, keep your inhalers on hand," advises Dr. Connors. "Many different pollens can be in the air during the summer, so keep your inhaler with you ¬- don't leave it in the car, on the dresser or in your hotel. The same goes for individuals who have an EpiPen®. Keep it with you at all times."
Bugs off Summer is a great season for hiking northern Michigan's woods or nearby parks. "Take insect repellant with you," Dr. Connors says. "Products with DEET protect best against ticks and mosquitoes." "For children, products containing DEET have a very high safety record if appropriate concentrations are used - that means 7 percent DEET or less," adds Dr. Schweighofer. "Never use adult insect repellants on children. And when you're roaming through the woods, wear long sleeves and long pants tucked into socks or boots to protect against ticks and mosquitoes."
Once you're back indoors, wash off any insect repellant promptly.
Kids win with these rules
As a pediatrician, Dr. Schweighofer has seen firsthand the many safety issues that affect children in the summertime. He offers these ground rules to help families keep their children safe.
In boats: "A life jacket is the seat belt equivalent for boaters, even if you're a strong swimmer. If you fall in and don't surface, nobody will be able to find you."
In lakes: "Make sure the setting is a safe one. If you have children swimming in areas where highly maneuverable personal watercraft like Jet Skis are traveling, a little head sticking out of the water may not be visible."
In pools: "Never underestimate the attractiveness of water to kids. Pool alarms are available to alert you if a child jumps or falls into the water."
On wheels: "On bicycles and scooters, it's mandatory to wear a helmet. Rollerbladers should also wear wrist guards and knee pads."
On motorized vehicles: "Minibikes, ATVs and go-carts often have more power than children are equipped to handle. Many of these vehicles have a low profile that other motorists can't see them until it's too late. Consider attaching a tall fluorescent flag, and be sure kids are able to handle the vehicles safely and on appropriate surfaces."
On trampolines: "One child at a time."
Around fireworks: "Explosives of any size and children are never a good combination. Most fireworks are used at night, when visibility and the ability to monitor children's activities is at its worst. Consider whether putting on a fireworks display is worth the potential hazards to the children around you. Even sparklers can cause burns, so be sure children handling sparklers are wearing shoes and know not to drop hot sparklers where they can be stepped on."
