Sunshine State Summer Safety

Summer has arrived! Summer in Florida comes with relaxation and a plethora of fun activities and events. However, it also comes with many risks to be aware of and proactive in avoiding.

• Sun Exposure: Always wear SPF when participating in outdoor activities. Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is recommended 30 minutes before and every two hours after, especially if you’re swimming or sweating. It is also recommended to wear large-brimmed hats, covering with clothing, and wearing UV-blocking glasses. 
• Dehydration: The summer heat can make us feel like we need to increase our fluid intake to stay hydrated. However, it is important to avoid overhydration, especially if you are a patient with a condition that causes swelling and water retention. Consult with your physician if you have questions or concerns about your suggested fluid intake.
• Bugs: Florida has a wide variety of seasonal bugs with the most common being mosquitoes, love bugs, fire ants, and palmetto bugs. Keep bugs at bay by trying:
  • Citronella candles
  • Planting herbs that act as a deterrent such as lavender, basil, thyme, mint, and lemongrass
  • Removing standing water from outdoor areas
• Disaster Preparedness: See our previous blog post for disaster preparedness checklists and other resources for this hurricane season here. 
• Water Safety: Summer is full of water-based activities, so it is important to maintain good water safety practices. These can include swimming with a buddy, learning CPR, not swimming when ill, wearing proper flotation devices, and more. For more information and safety tips, visit the American Red Cross here. The National Weather Service has additional safety information about rip currents for those going to the beach here.
• Signs of heat related illnesses: It is important to monitor for heat related illnesses, especially in the summer in Florida. There are a variety of symptoms to be aware of and ways to treat them. The CDC has a comprehensive list here.

We hope you have a fun-filled summer! As always, stay safe!


References
6 water safety tips to help save a life this summer. American Red Cross. (n.d.). Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2021/6-water-safety-tips-to-help-save-a-life-this-summer.html
Ask the expert: Does a high SPF protect my skin better? The Skin Cancer Foundation. (2022, March 26). Retrieved June 22, 2022, from https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-does-a-high-spf-protect-my-skin-better/ 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017, September 1). Warning signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved June 22, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html 
Kanuckel, A. (2022, May 17). 10 insect-repelling plants that are known to keep the bugs away. Farmers' Almanac. Retrieved June 22, 2022, from https://www.farmersalmanac.com/what-to-plant-to-keep-bugs-away-24734 
US Department of Commerce, N. O. A. A. (2021, July 13). How to avoid getting caught in a rip current. National Weather Service. Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://www.weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent