Your Family's Guide to a Healthy & Safe Summer

Summer is finally here, and with it comes a season of outdoor fun, longer days, and plenty of opportunities for adventures! As you dive into picnics, beach trips, and backyard activities, it's important for everyone in the family to keep a few health and safety tips in mind to ensure a fantastic and healthy summer.

Sun Safety: Protecting the Whole Crew

The summer sun feels amazing, but its powerful rays require smart protection.

• Sunscreen is your Friend: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher generously about 15-30 minutes before going outside. Be extra diligent with reapplication, especially after swimming or sweating. 
• For babies under 6 months, shade is always the best option.
• Seek Shade: Especially during peak sun hours (usually 10am to 4pm), try to seek shade under trees, umbrellas, or canopies. 
• Try to plan outdoor play around these times when possible to avoid the harshest sun, or look for shaded play areas.
• Wear Protective Clothes: Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses with UV protection, and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing offers excellent protection.

Stay Hydrated

With warmer temperatures and increased activity, dehydration can affect anyone. Making sure the whole family stays well-hydrated is crucial.

• Water, Water, Water: Encourage everyone to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• For the little ones, ensure they have frequent water breaks, especially during long play sessions. Keep their favorite water bottle filled and accessible to make hydration fun!
• Hydrating Snacks can be a great choice to supplement water intake! Look for water-rich fruits and veggies like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges for a refreshing snack.
• Avoid Sugary Drinks like sodas and sugary juice, as these can actually dehydrate you. Stick to water or unsweetened beverages.

Water Safety

Swimming and water activities are highlights of summer, but they also require vigilance from every family member.

• Constant Supervision is key. Never leave children or vulnerable individuals unsupervised near any body of water, whether it's a pool, lake, or even a kiddie pool. Drowning can happen quickly and silently. In larger groups, try designating a "water watcher" to supervise children in or around the water and avoids distractions.
• Learn to Swim: Enroll children (and adults!) in swimming lessons. It's a vital skill.
• Wear Life Jackets when participating in boating or other water sports. Ensure everyone wears properly fitted, Coast-Guard approved lifejackets.
• Ensure kiddos are wearing properly sized life jackets that are being worn properly. Arm floaties are not substitutes for Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
• Check Conditions before getting in the water. Be aware of currents, depths, and potential hazards in any body of water.

Bug Bites & Outdoor Pests

While bugs are often an unavoidable part of summer, you can take steps to minimize their impact on your family.

• Insect Repellent: Use an EPA-approved insect repellent when spending time outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk. Be sure to follow product instructions carefully. 
• For little ones, use kid-friendly repellent and give them a helping hand with application to avoid it getting in eyes, mouths, or on hands.
• Perform Tick Checks after outdoor activities, especially in woods or grassy areas. Be thorough and check every member of the family.
• You can even turn it into a fun "detective" game for the kiddos! Pay attention to hairlines, behind ears, in the belly button, armpits, and in skin folds.
• Manage Standing Water in and around your home by emptying things like old tires or buckets full of water. This reduces areas for mosquitoes to breed.

First Aid Readiness

Minor cuts, scrapes, and sprains are more common when families are active outdoors. Having a basic first aid kit handy can make a big difference for everyone.

• Stock Your Kit with key items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, allergy medication, and any personal prescriptions for family members.
• If you have little ones that might get hurt, colorful bandages and a small toy or sticker can help injuries be less scary!
• Know the Basics of first aid for common injuries like cuts, blisters, and minor burns.

By following these simple tips, your family can enjoy a safe, healthy, and memorable summer season filled with laughter and fun. Remember that for things like stitches, sprains, allergic reactions, and more, Alpha Urgent Care is here to help! Our compassionate team of providers is here when you need us most to get you back to enjoying summer quickly.