The start of summer is fast approaching and with the beautiful weather and longer days,  many of us are starting to plan our family outings and dreaming of vacation.  Enjoying vacation and fun-filled adventures, even if that means lounging by the pool, starts with staying healthy.  Here are our tips for keeping healthy this summer.  

Heat & Sun Safety

• When temperatures soar, keep out of the direct sun. Seek out shade or visit air conditioned areas such as libraries, movie theaters or malls.

• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid or minimize alcohol and caffeine.
• Protect your skin and eyes from the sun.  Use a hat with a wide brim and sunscreen.  The American Academy of Dermatology recommends everyone wear a broad spectrum sunscreen (protects against UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days.  Reapply sunscreen if you are outside for more than 2 hours. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• The elderly, small children, and people with chronic health conditions are more vulnerable to the heat. Call and check on friends, family, and neighbors.
• Anyone showing signs of heat stroke such as an altered mental state, not sweating, or nausea should get out of the heat and seek medical attention immediately.

Summer Vacations

• Planning a trip outside the United States? Certain shots may be required or recommended. Travel clinics can get properly immunized.
• Even though you’re on vacation, remember to buckle up while in the car.  
• If you are planning on biking on your vacation, remember to wear your helmet and follow the rules of the road. 

• Take steps to stay healthy and safe when you travel.

Water Safety

Swimming is a great way to beat the summer heat, not to mention a fun way to get exercise. Whether you are swimming in a pool or in a natural body of water, follow these tips to keep safe:

• Never swim alone. Even experienced or strong swimmers might need help.

• Do not leave young children or non-swimmers unattended.
• Encourage children and other non-swimmers to use life jackets or other approved flotation devices.
• Choose public swim areas that have lifeguards.  
• Sign up for swimming lessons—you are never too old or too young to learn how to swim!
• Do not jump or dive into the shallow end of a pool.
• Keep away from pool drains, pipes, or other openings to avoid entrapments.
• Always keep a phone nearby.
• Learn CPR. 
• Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming and while supervising children.

Beach Safety

• See the latest beach closures and advisories.

• If you own a pet, remember to scoop the poop and dispose of it properly. Pet waste can pollute beaches and make people and animals sick. Follow local rules for pets at the beach, including rules for leashes.

Food Safety

• Eating out more this summer? View food safety inspection reports for your favorite restaurants.
• Order wisely.  Order your hamburger well done and send it back if it is undercooked. If you are at high risk for foodborne illness, avoid certain foods such as sprouts, undercooked meats or eggs, and raw oysters.
• If your food looks, smells or tastes bad – don’t eat it.

• Foodborne illnesses increase in warmer weather. Keep food safe during cookouts and camping trips by handling, preparing, and cooking it properly.  Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking it. 

Animal & Insect Safety

• Prevent animal bites and rabies by avoiding contact with wild animals.
• If you are traveling to a part of the country that is highly endemic for Lyme Disease, protect yourself from this and other tick-borne illnesses.  Wear closed shoes, long sleeved shirts, and pants and insect repellent to reduce your risk. 
• Protect yourself from irritating mosquito bites and mosquito-born illnesses by wearing insect repellent.

Our staff here at Northwest Vein Center wish all our patients a fun, happy and healthy summer.  Enjoy!