Summer’s finally here! Time to enjoy outdoors. Whether you like bike riding, boating, swimming or hiking, here are some tips to help you get the most from your summer safely.
- Protect your head. Wear a helmet when biking or riding a scooter, motorcycle or ATV. Just be sure that your helmet meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) safety standards for your activity (different activities require different helmets).
- Always wear sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF every day. Don’t forget to reapply after swimming, sweating or after more than two hours in the sun. To avoid harmful UV rays on your face and to keep you cool, wear a hat or visor.
- Drink up. In hot weather, your body can lose up to a quart of water an hour. Drink water before, during and after your activity. Also, invest in a refillable water bottle, so you’ll always have water while on the go.
- Keep your cool. Stay indoors during intense midday heat and sun to avoid UV rays when they are most powerful and harmful. Enjoy the outdoors in the morning or evening. And seek shade when possible.
- Watch out for heat stroke. Watch for very hot and dry skin (no sweat), dizziness, nausea, confusion and unconsciousness. If you suspect someone has heat stroke, move him or her to a cool area or immerse him or her in cool water (or pour it over him/her) to lower the body temperature as quickly as possible. Seek medical attention immediately.
- Don’t forget bug spray. If you live in an area where ticks and mosquitoes are common, apply repellent with DEET.
- Don’t overdo it. When out enjoying swimming, boating or any other strenuous summer activity, take notice if you, or others you are with, are starting to suffer fatigue that could endanger you or others.
Finally, if you’re going to enjoy the outdoors you might as well get credit for it! Many of your summer outdoor activities count for the Health Management Program. To get started, visit join.virginpulse.com/RockwellAutomation. Existing members can go here to track eligible Take Action activities.