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.
With UVA dermatologist Mark Russell, MD Myth #1: Skin cancer only affects people with light or fair skin. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. Although more common in those with a fair complexion, it does not discriminate against skin color, race, age or any other demographics.…
For years, I’ve followed the you-can’t-drink-too-much-water adage, especially when exercising. I’m the person accidentally kicking my water bottle during pilates and heading straight for the water station after 5Ks. But new sports medicine guidelines indicate that actually, you can overhydrate while exercising, and the subsequent low salt levels in your…
It’s mid-June, which means it’s time to face some bad news: Your kids are out of school for another 1,680 hours. Even if you take out the time they’ll spend sleeping, you’re still left with a lot of hours, which means a lot of trips to the pool, a lot…
With summer comes severe weather, so it doesn’t hurt to be prepared for storms, extreme heat and floods. It’s important to be able to recognize an impending hazard and know how to take action so you and your family can stay safe. Here are steps you can take for any…
This summer, try to get your kids eating more colorful foods (fruits and veggies of course!) and make sure their primary drink is water.
It was a gorgeous spring day on Memorial Day weekend, and we were lucky enough to be spending it in a refreshing lake in the woods with friends. Buoyed by the air inside their pink and green translucent swim rings, our children, who range from ages 4 to 7, sang…
“Bike helmets are for wimps.” “This helmet makes me too hot.” “Oh good, my mom’s not looking. I can take off my helmet.” I heard these statements frequently when I was a kid. We all believed bike helmets were hot, stuffy and the ultimate in dork-dom. The notion that you…
Cookouts, patriotic parades and fireworks. What better way to celebrate the summer and our nation’s founding? But the Fourth of July is also a potentially dangerous holiday. Fireworks cause injuries and fires every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2008 fireworks injured 7,000 people and…
"Sunscreen time!" "I don't want it!" Sound familiar? Getting kids, whether toddlers or teenagers, to stand still long enough for you to adequately cover them with sunscreen can be a daunting task. But it's a crucial one; children get most of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18. And since…
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