It’s summer time, and some of you welcome the extra sunlight. You’re thrilled to head to the pool and sleep in a hammock. Some of you, on the other hand, don’t feel excited at all. Sunburns, tick bites, fireworks, drowning, dehydration — to you, summer in Virginia poses tons of threats. You’re worried about how to keep summer safe.
Whether your lemonade glass if half full or half empty, we’ve got the hot tips you need to keep you and your family healthy.
Our UVA Health experts have weighed in on all kinds of safety issues that crop up during the summer. You can think of these dangers as:
Summer brings out magnolias and roses, but it also ushers in a time of ticks, snakes, and spiders. We cover all you need to know to avoid nasty run-ins during your next outdoor adventure.
You’ll also want to make sure you’ve prepped your family on water safety. When you’re out on a kayak, swimming in local creeks and lakes, or floating in the pool, you’ll want to stay alert and be prepared for natural dangers.
Heat, humidity, and sun define our region’s summer. Make sure to stay hydrated and covered in sunscreen when you’re outside. Avoid heatstroke while exercising in the heat.
July 4th festivities always bring with them casualties. Staying safe during this summer celebration takes a little planning.
Our emergency room also sees a rise in traffic accidents and other injuries during the summer. Of course, it makes sense that increased time outdoors leads to higher physical risks.
Then there’s the vacation weight gain due to your sudden daily ice cream habit. Or your kids spend their whole vacation inside, not moving. Eating well and staying active during the summer can seem challenging.
Don’t let caution derail your summer fun. Read up on these prevention tips. Get prepared and make plans for a safe and happy summer.
One bad sunburn as a kid doubles your chance of melanoma. Learn more scary facts, plus how to protect your kids from skin cancer from sun.
Some medications can make you more sensitive to heat. Learn which ones and how to prevent and treat heat-related illness.
If you’re taking medications or using skincare products that make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, be extra cautious to avoid skin damage from a bad sunburn.
If even just thinking about snakes makes your heart race, learning the facts can help you co-exist peacefully with these reptiles.
Two dermatologists address common myths and misconceptions that may keep people of color from taking sun protection seriously.
You may be outside even more than usual this summer. Although outdoor activities are great for de-stressing and exercise, they do come with a risk: tick-borne illness.
These two emergency experts have spent years rescuing people from pools, floods, rivers, lakes. Read their stories & learn how to avoid drowning.
A lovely family vacation can turn ugly quick but not from a shark attack. You have a better chance of winning the lottery or getting into Harvard than getting killed by a shark. We have a greater chance of dying every year by things around the house, going to work or just being outside.
Summer's here: Ice cream season. But 3 months of sugar and fat can put on the pounds and hurt your health. Here's insights from registered dietician Katherine Basbaum plus 5 easy, delicious ice cream hacks that won't ruin your diet.
You probably know someone who’s had Lyme disease. But every year, Virginia residents are diagnosed with two other tick-borne illnesses: Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ehrlichiosis.
Get stories & health tips every week