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To "nd a primary care physician, visit us online at
www.columbiamemorial.org
.
Your
guideto
summer
safety
A
from
Clear skies
,
cool water and
fresh-squeezed lemonade—these are
images of summer at its best.
Unfortunately, they’re not all the
season has to o#er. Summer also
presents many hazards, making
this a good time for a quick safety
review.
void alcohol.
It doesn’t
mix with driving, boating or
swimming.
B
ees.
To help keep bees away,
don’t wear bright-colored
clothing and don’t use perfume or
scented soaps. Cover food at outdoor
events.
C
amping.
Give someone your
itinerary, and think carefully
about the equipment,
supplies and skills you’ll
need for your trip.
D
ehydration.
It’s a particular
concern for active
kids. Make sure
they drink between
5 and 9 ounces
(about 10 to
20 gulps) of %uid
every 20 minutes
during vigorous
activity.
E
pinephrine.
If you’re severely
allergic to insects that sting,
carrying a device that allows you
to inject yourself with this rescue
medication could save your life.
F
oodborne illness.
Harmful
bacteria can quickly multiply on
food in summer’s heat. At picnics,
keep foods you’d normally refrigerate
on plenty of ice.
G
rilling.
Barbecue meat to an
appropriate minimum internal
temperature to kill bacteria (steak to
145 degrees; hamburger, 160 degrees;
and chicken, 165 degrees).
H
eat illness.
For prevention,
dress in lightweight clothes
and do strenuous activities when
it’s coolest (early morning and a)er
sunset). Seek out air conditioning
when you can.
I
tchy skin.
It’s a problem that
can a#ect swimmers in parasite-
infested waters. Known as swimmer’s
itch, it usually can be treated
with corticosteroid cream, cool
compresses or anti-itch lotions.
J
ust minutes.
+at’s the time it
can take for heatstroke to develop
in a child le) in a car on a sunny day.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle.
K
eep your distance.
+at’s
how you should think of
lightning. When you see it, note
how long it takes to hear thunder.
If it’s 30 seconds or less, seek shelter
immediately.
4
q
call us at 503-325-4321