Staying cool, having fun (and staying safe) this summer

ISO - June 2010 e- Newsletter

It’s summertime, you’ve finished (or are just finishing) your spring semester studies and all you want to do is have fun! ISO understands this (at ISO we’re all huge supporters of the summer fireworks, days at the beaches and meeting up with friends during your free-time), but we want you to enjoy your summer safely.

Did you know June is National Safety Month? National Safety Month reminds us that the way to have the most fun is to enjoy the summer without the frequent trips to the emergency room (you really don’t want to be sporting a plaster cast on the beach)! So, in the hopes that everyone has fun, relaxes and starts the summer off in a safe way, we thought we’d offer you some safety tips for the best season of the year!

Staying cool in the hot temperatures

ISO does not need to remind you that sometimes the best part of summer is the great weather. With all sun, though, comes heat and when it’s hot outside, it’s important to remember how to stay cool. Just buying a great new pair of sunglasses is not going to help (but if you do buy, find a pair that blocks UVA and UVB rays). Stay in the shade, wear sunscreen and make sure to stay hydrated--limit caffeine and alcohol and focus on water. Make your health a priority AND avoid the hassle of a painful sunburn or heat exhaustion!

Biking, swimming and skating

When enjoying the great outdoors, remember to be aware of the rules and regulations that keep us all safe. Signal lane changes, be aware of the rules of the road and always wear safety gear. “According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, as many as two-thirds of inline skaters do not wear safety gear.”¹ It’s an important part of being active and will protect you from more serious injuries than bumps and bruises.

To read more on bike safety, review the ISO May e-newsletter or check out the National Safety Council’s article on safe bicycling and inline skating.

When swimming, remember to swim with supervision (go with friends) and be aware of your surroundings. Take a swimming course or practice the basic strokes in the shallow end of the pool or closer to the beach so you feel comfortable in the water. Take a hint from above and remember sunscreen (you’ll thank me after an entire day at the beach)!

Whatever outdoor activity you’re enjoying, keep in mind the basic safety reminders that will keep you enjoying the summer!

Celebrating safely…and we’re talking food and fireworks

Picnics and parties are a great way to see friends and family over the summer. Why not consider taking a first-aid class and learn about how to assist in case of choking and treating minor injuries? Any local community or college in your area may be able to help you to sign up for a short-term course that may prove to be a great skill in the future.

And because I know we all love the 4th of July festivities, a gratuitous reminder to be safe if’/when handling fireworks if you’re not just leaving it to the experts this year:

“In 2006, an estimated 9,200 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries.”² Read more about fireworks safety here and have a fantastic time enjoying the holiday!

For more information, tips and tricks on how to be safe this summer, visit the National Safety Council’s National Safety Month website and have a super, safe and enjoyable summer vacation from ISO!

1. http://www.nsc.org/news_resources/Resources/Documents/Inline_Skating_Safety.pdf
2. http://www.nsc.org/news_resources/Resources/Documents/Using%20Fireworks%20Safely.pdf

Stay safe this summer!