The summer season is upon us.
The kids are out of school and families are planning for excursions that will take them on both long and short distance travel.
Whether traveling on a plane, ship, train, or a personal car we all do better with a planned itinerary; a road map if you will to keep us on schedule.
Why not plan a road map to also keep healthy and safe during the season?
This is our recommended road map to get you started.
Motion Sickness
Motion Sickness can be caused by any type of transportation. Whether striking suddenly or progressing slowly, motion sickness brings on a feeling of queasiness, dizziness, cold sweat, and possibly vomiting. If traveling by automobile keep focus on the distant horizon and don’t read. Keep your head still and avoid spicy and greasy meals. Eat dry crackers and drink carbonated liquids to settle your stomach. Talk to your doctor about prescription and over the counter (OTC) medications. (For more information visit: www.mayoclinic.com, or www.healthfinder.gov )
Skin Cancer
There are three forms of skin cancer with melanoma as the most deadly. Melanoma occurs for several reasons but the most preventable cause is exposure to the sun.
“Watch your shadow – short shadow, seek shade!” The sun’s UV rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Slip, Slop, Slap®…and Wrap and plan activities away from the midday sun.
- Slip on a shirt
- Slop on sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
- Slap on a hat
- Wrap on sunglasses
To learn your daily risk of overexposure to the sun’s UV light refer to the UV Index forecast on the EPA website.: www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex, www.skincancerprevention.org
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is one of three heat-related syndromes: Heat Cramp, Heat Exhaustion, and Heatstroke.
Without prompt treatment, heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. Fortunately, heat exhaustion is preventable.
Over exposure to high temperatures, dehydration, alcohol use, and over dressing can lead to heat exhaustion. (Infants and children younger than the age of four (4) and adults over the age of 65 are at risk.)
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing
- Avoid sunburn
- Seek a cooler place, avoid hot spots
- Drink plenty of fluids and let your body acclimate to the heat
- Take extra precautions with certain medications
Transportation Safety
Use all appropriate safety harnesses while in transport, such as the seat belt when in your automobile or on a plane.
Study all exit routes and listen to safety instructions while in a plane, boat, or train. If on a plane, do you know how many rows are between you and the exit row? If on a ship, have you pre-adjusted the life vest to fit you snug and correctly in case of an emergency?
Share your itinerary with at least one member of your family so you can be located at any time.
Program ICE (In Case of Emergency contact) on your mobile phone so that emergency personnel can easily contact this individual if you have been involved in an accident and are unable to speak or provide contact information.
Have a healthful and safe summer season with family and friends!
