[Wellnesscommunications] StayWell - Summer Safety Tips

[Jacqueline Leslie]

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June 1, 2021

To:
Wellness Program Participants
From:
Workplace Health and Wellness
Re:
StayWell - Summer Safety Tips

Summer is a great time to enjoy different indoor and outdoor activities. Every person, of all ages, should be reminded of ways to stay safe and healthy while they enjoy the summer fun.   Summer often implies warmth, fun, and sunshine, but it can also bring heat overexposure, heat exhaustion, heat-induced illnesses, sunburn, poison, and stings. This summer we are adapting and taking steps to normalcy and it's important we stay healthy, safe, and hydrated! Learn how to protect yourself with these summer safety tips.

Summer Safety Tips
Beat the Heat - Anybody can be at risk for a heat-related illness<https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/heat> and suffer from heat stress<https://ehs.ucr.edu/sites/g/files/rcwecm1061/files/2019-06/Heat%20Stress%20Prevention%20Inforgraphic.pdf>, especially after an extended time inside our homes. Follow these summer safety tips, like taking extra breaks and drinking lots of water.

Protect Your Skin - When you protect your skin from the sun, you reduce your risk of developing skin cancer and early skin aging. Discover the role<https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen/sunscreen-resource-center> that sunscreen plays in protecting your skin and find out how to select a sunscreen<https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen/how-to-select-sunscreen>. Remember that sunscreen is meant for everyday use, whether you are staying indoors or heading out for some sunshine.

Stay Hydrated - When the temperatures rise, getting enough to drink is important whether you're playing sports, traveling or just sitting in the sun. And it's critical for your heart health. Know the signs of dehydration<https://www.keckmedicine.org/you-can-combat-the-heat-by-staying-hydrated/> and how much water<https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-water-should-you-drink-per-day> you should be drinking.

Bug Safety - Mosquitoes<https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/zika> can cause a number of illnesses and in recent years, Aedes mosquitos arrived in Southern California. These mosquitos come out in the middle of the day and need minimal water to breed. Start by getting rid of unused standing water like buckets, plant saucers, old tires, fountains and even recyclables. Buy and use insect repellent<https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/14,957,93.html#:~:text=Plant%2Dbased%20repellents&text=Studies%20with%20products%20containing%20a,mosquitoes%20for%20about%20two%20hours.> with the following ingredients: DEET, Picardian, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, and IR3535.

Playgrounds - Emergency departments see more than 20,000 children ages 14 and younger for playground-related<https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/safety-topics/child-safety/playgrounds> traumatic brain injury each year. Be aware of falls and age-appropriate settings for your children.

Fireworks - Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades, fireworks displays - and plenty of visits to emergency rooms<https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/fireworks>, especially during July. Be mindful of California's drought and dry season upon us to protect our land and ourselves. Know your local community guidelines.

Water Safety - Drowning caused 3,709 deaths in 2017. The younger the child, the greater the risk.<https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/drowning> Check for water safety<https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/swim.html> and swimming lessons in your local area. You can these class with private organizations, community centers and local non-profit organizations like the YMCA<https://www.ymca.net/watersafety>.

Bicycling - Bicyclists must take extra precautions when they ride. They often share the road<https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/bicycles> with vehicles, but injuries can happen even on a bike path.

Boating - Most boating experiences are positive. But joyful times quickly can turn deadly if boaters are not vigilant about safety<https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/boating> - at all times. Visit the link to make sure you are staying safe on the waters this summer.

Pedestrian Safety - Cell phone distracted walking<https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/safety-topics/distracted-walking> is a huge problem, and rarely are we more vulnerable than when walking, crossing streets and negotiating traffic..

We hope you find these tips and resources helpful. The Faculty/Staff Wellness Program<https://hr.ucr.edu/about-us/workplace-health-wellness/wellness> remains committed to the health and well-being of the campus community.

For questions or for more information, please contact us at wellness at ucr.edu<mailto:wellness at ucr.edu>

Stay safe and healthy!








In health and happiness,
Jacqueline Leslie, MPH
Wellness Program Specialist
Workplace Health & Wellness
University of California, Riverside
1201 University Avenue
Suite 208
Riverside, CA 92507
jacqueline.leslie at ucr.edu<mailto:julie.chobdee at ucr.edu>


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