Stay Healthy And Safe This Summer

As the COVID-19 pandemic begins to ease, and stay-at-home restrictions are lifted or downgraded, the idea of getting out of the house and enjoying the summer is growing in popularity.

Your family medical practitioners want to offer a few tips and reminders on keeping your family safe and healthy – and away from unnecessary visits to the clinic! – as the summer heats up.

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From the swimming pool to the garden, and from the driving range to the rifle range, safety and health should be top-of-mind as summertime activities increasingly “open up.”

Nothing puts a chill on summer fun faster than a trip to the family medical clinic, due to an unforeseen accident or injury!

Your family doctors will appreciate your taking a moment to remind yourself of the best practices in summer health and safety for your family.

In Many Ways, 2020 Will Offer “Summer As Usual”…

… And you’ll want to remember to stay safe and healthy during the typical family summertime activities:

• Maintain, and even increase, your family’s “normal” daily health habits.  Make sure everyone’s getting good nutrition from the delicious fruits and vegetables available this time of year.  Drink plenty of water, stretch before you exercise, get plenty of sleep, and take care that everyone in the family is getting at least a good multi-vitamin supplement to help fuel the fun.
• Screen the sun.  It doesn’t take that long to make sure everyone is covered with clothing, or with sunscreen of sufficient Sun Protection Factor (SPF) to keep their skin safe.
• Beat the heat.  Good hydration will go a long way toward avoiding heat exhaustion, but keep in mind that kids are particularly vulnerable to heat injuries and might not recognize the warning signs when things are getting too hot.  And, of course, never leave kids or pets in the hot car.
• Water safety is crucial.  Always closely supervise kids in the swimming pool.  Your doctor would like to remind you that it’s a great idea to get swimming lessons for kids, and to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of a potential catastrophe.
• • According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), three kids die each day in the United States from drowning.  Water safety is serious business!
• Take care of your back.  From gardening to golfing, summer activities lead to far more back injuries than are common during the cooler months.  Stretch well and often, and use the right equipment for the job.  If it’s been awhile since you golfed, take a lesson – if only to protect your back from the perils of a poor swing!
• Always wear a helmet while riding a bicycle or motorcycle.  This should never be optional.

These practices are widely known and serve primarily as reminders to most families.  They’re great ideas for protecting your family every summer.

… But This Summer Offers Some Extraordinary Health Challenges

Highway traffic is down… but poor driving is still evident out on the roadways, as “cabin fever” drives some people to hit the road with the pedal to the metal!  Use even more caution as a defensive driver, to avoid disaster while traveling to and from summer activities.

Speaking of cabin fever, some other unfortunate results have come from being cooped-up during the pandemic.  Suicides, domestic violence, and online bullying are all on the rise, much to the chagrin of the health community.  Look sharp for the warning signs that someone in the family needs to talk to a professional… and make that appointment right away.

This doesn’t have to be a “bad” summer.  Sure, we’re robbed of some of our favorite summertime activities, such as going to the ball game or traveling for vacations or cruises.  But there are lots of ways to enjoy the warm weather… and with proper attention to health and safety, Summer 2020 can still bring you and your family plenty of fun and enjoyment, and some great summer memories. Continue reading >>