Dear Kalee,
Can you provide us with some reminders about staying safe while enjoying the outdoors this summer? Thank you, Let's Have Some Summer Fun
Dear Summer Fun,
It is so exciting summer is here! Here are some tips to help you have the safest summer possible and can enjoy it to the fullest!
- Heat Illness is what we think of when we hear heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. People who work outdoors, extremes of ages, individuals with circulation issues, and athletes conditioning outside are all at risk. Over 600 people a year are killed by heat related deaths. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
o Try to stay in the shade whenever possible
o Wear sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
o Stay hydrated (water or Gatorade are good choices)
o Stretch your muscles
o Rest frequently, pace yourself.
- Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other pests. Mosquitoes are vectors, meaning they can carry other diseases with them. Disease examples are Zika and West Nile Virus. Not to mention, bug bites are just plain, uncomfortable. Ticks are also prevalent now. Preventing tick bites helps prevent Lyme's disease and embedded ticks.
o Prevent mosquito habitats (remove standing water).
o Keep swimming pool water treated and fresh.
o Be sure your windows are closed and screens are intact.
o Long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and socks. Prevent gaps in clothing.
o Use recommended bug repellents (DEET for example, not limited to).
o Avoid tick-infested areas (tall grass, wooded areas).
o Check yourself for ticks after being outdoors.
o Call your medical provider if bullseye rash appears or you believe you have been bitten by a deer tick.
Let's have a fun and safe summer. Please remember that the clinic is open to your summer needs. We can evaluate accidental injuries, bumps and bruises, or cuts and scrapes. We can boost your tetanus shot if needed. We can evaluate bug bites and poison ivy contacts. Don't hesitate to call the clinic with any questions. We can be reached at our direct line (262) 214-1101 during open hours and (866) 959-9355 to schedule an appointment.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kalee Cambray, DNP, APNP, RN, AGACNP-BC, FNP-C
Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Extreme heat. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Preventing tick bites. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_people.html
United States Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Tips to prevent mosquito bites. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/tips-prevent-mosquito-bites