Summer brings opportunities for fun, relaxation, and outdoor activities, but as your primary health care provider, FCMG knows very well that taking full advantage of seasonal weather poses risks. To ensure your family has a safe and enjoyable summer, here are some guidelines to bear in mind:

Sun Protection:

• Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin 15 minutes before heading outdoors. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
• Seek shade: Be sure to spend some time in the shade, particularly during the sun's peak hours (typically from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Wear protective clothing: Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting clothes, along with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that offer UV protection.

Heat Protection:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid sugary beverages and excessive caffeine.
• Be cool: Take regular breaks in air-conditioned environments. If your home isn't air-conditioned, visit public spaces like libraries or malls to cool down.
• Know the signs of heat illness: Symptoms like dizziness, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and confusion could indicate heat-related illness. Seek medical help if these symptoms occur.

Water Safety:

• Insist on supervision: Always keep a close eye on children near water, whether it's a pool, lake, or ocean.
• Take special care with diving and jumping: Especially in unfamiliar waters, you and your family should take additional care. Always be sure you know the depth of the water; keep an eye out for submerged obstructions (such as rocks, tree branches and trunks, or other debris).
• Swimming lessons: Enroll children in swimming lessons to equip them with vital water safety skills.
• Use life jackets: Ensure children and weak swimmers wear life jackets when boating or swimming in open water.
• What’s the water quality? Only swim in areas where the water quality is deemed safe by trusted authorities, as contaminated water can cause illnesses and infections. Check local advisories or signs for information on water quality before entering lakes, rivers, or oceans. And be on the look out for algae blooms, which are at an all-time high due to global warming.
• Be on the lookout for “rip” tides and currents: Learn to identify rip currents and steer clear of them. If caught in one, swim parallel to the shore until you're free, then head back to land.

Outdoor Activity Safety:

• Use insect repellent: Use insect repellent to guard against deer ticks and mosquito bites, which can transmit diseases like West Nile virus.
• Check playground equipment: Inspect playgrounds for potential hazards, such as sharp edges or broken parts.
• Practice bicycle safety: Make sure children – and you! -- wear helmets while biking and follow traffic safety rules.
• Where there’s fire… Making a campfire? Closely monitor your fire, making sure it’s well away from flammable materials. Grilling? Ensure your grilling equipment is in good working order, never leave a grill unattended, and keep it a safe distance from buildings, fences, and overhanging branches. Fan of fireworks? That’s great, but it’s best to leave them to professionals, as DIY fireworks can lead to severe injuries and fires.

Food Safety:

• Keep perishables cold: Store perishable foods in a refrigerator or cooler to prevent bacteria growth.
• Wash your hands often: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling food and after using the bathroom.
• Prevent cross-contamination: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat, poultry, and seafood to avoid cross-contamination.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST, know the location of your nearest emergency room, urgent care, or FCMG office, should you require care resulting from summer-time activities gone wrong!