Summer is here! With temperatures rising and summer fun activities well under way, here are a few reminders to avoid common summer-time risks.

  *  Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes, and schedule activities when it’s the coolest, like during morning or evening hours.

  *  Wear Sunscreen and reduce your risk of skin cancer.  The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.  Since no sunscreen can block all the sun’s UVB rays, be sure to also wear sunglasses and a hat.

  *  Stay hydrated.  Make sure to keep water with you and drink it often.  Consuming foods with high water content like melons, lettuce and cucumbers can also help you stay hydrated.

  *  Exercise with caution outdoors.  Make sure to take extra precautions to ensure you don’t put your health at risk.  If the heat index is over 90 degrees, you may want to consider working out indoors or waiting until the evening.

  *  Have a First Aid Kit.  Keep one at home and in your car for unexpected mini medical issues. Make sure to keep it well stocked and ensure ointments are not expired.  Items like gauze pads, medical tape, bandages, alcohol wipes and the like are useful to have in your kit.

  *  Heat-related illnesses are preventable. It’s important to know the signs and symptoms and what to do should you or someone you care for show signs of having a heat-related illness.  For your convenience, attached is a Heat-Related illness chart that includes what to look for and what to do in case of Heat Stroke, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Cramps, Sunburn and Heat Rash.

Stay Safe and Be Well!