Staying Safe and Healthy All Summer Long
By Brandi Goodman
The summer season can't be enjoyed if you're laid up in bed hurt or feeling poorly. You need to take precautions in all you do so you can remain safe and healthy all summer long. With some tips in mind, it's definitely possible.
Use Reflective Gear
Say you want to ride your bike at night or take a late-night stroll. You need reflective gear to do so safely. Too many people get hit by cars zooming by when they're not easily visible. Put a reflective light on your bike and wear bright clothing when you're out for a walk.
Keep Yourself Cool
You shouldn't be outdoors on hot days if you can help it. You especially shouldn't be overexerting yourself, trying to complete sweat-inducing tasks. If you must be outside in the heat, make sure you're doing all you can to stay cool. You can get dizzy, nauseous, and worse because of the sun. Keep a cold rag on your neck, get as much shade as possible, and stay hydrated so you're less likely to feel ill.
Wear Sunscreen
The sun can badly damage your skin as well. You should be wearing sunscreen all season long, no matter how sunny it is outside. Even on cloudy days, the harmful UV rays can penetrate through your clothing and have cancerous effects. Wear sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and use hats daily so you can keep your skin safe.
Follow Safety Protocols
Most activities have a list of protocols in place. There may be unspoken rules you've heard all your life, such as not swimming after you've just eaten or wearing a life jacket on the boat. Follow these. Even if they seem silly or you don't think you need to take heed, just do it. It's better to be safe than sorry, as they say.
These protocols apply to food safety as well. You're more likely to get food poisoning during the summertime because of the heat. You can leave food out for approximately two hours any other time of year. In 90-degree weather, that drops to around an hour only. Don't attend a picnic or barbecue and think you can continue munching on your meal for hours. You need to eat what's on your plate and make sure everything else gets put away promptly so bacteria doesn't get the chance to spread.
Do everything in your power to stay healthy and safe this summer. You don't want to end up missing out on the season because you got badly burnt, hurt, or scared during a situation that could have been avoided.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Thousand Oaks, Calif.