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Stay Safe & Healthy This Spring
We’re all eager to head outdoors. After a long, cold winter, the warm weather and sense of renewal are alluring enough to draw us out of our homes and celebrate the great outdoors.
As you head outside for graduation parties, long weekends, holiday celebrations, or just simple pleasure trips in nature, keep in mind the importance of protecting your health as well as your family’s. As the weather warms and we venture out for long weekends and get-togethers, keep these tips in mind to stay safe and healthy.
Don’t text and drive.
No text is worth risking your life and others. According to AAA, distracted driving claims nine lives per day. If you’re driving and you receive a text message, wait until you arrive at your destination to answer it or — if it’s an emergency — pull over into a parking lot or the side of the road to respond.
Don’t drink and drive.
If you choose to drink, knowing when it’s appropriate to drive can be answered quite simply — never. Even if you don’t feel drunk, buzzed driving can impair your senses enough to lead to serious consequences. Have a designated driver ready to drive you home — or just don’t drink at all.
Be safe on the water.
From fishing to watersports — as it gets a little warmer, of course — spring is a great time to spend time with friends and family on the water. Before you set sail, remember to practice water safety, including wearing a life jacket, being mindful of water temperature and hazards, and closely monitoring small children.
Wear sunscreen.
Sure, applying sunscreen may seem more like a summer thing, but the truth is prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can have negative consequences no matter what time of year it is. If you plan on being outside for an extended period, remember to wear sunscreen and minimize your risk of sunburn — or worse, melanoma.
Watch for bug bites.
Of course, we’re not the only ones enjoying the warm weather. All kinds of critters are venturing outside to soak up the sun’s rays, including some of the creepy crawly variety. Steer clear of bees, wasps, and hornets — remember, if you don’t bug them, they won’t bug you. Mosquitos are particularly pesky around this time of year but applying a layer of bug spray should be enough to keep the bloodsuckers off.
Be mindful of concussions.
With the promise of warmer weather comes increased physical activities, including contact sports — and the injuries that may come with them. As you or your children take the field, be mindful of concussion symptoms, which can include:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Loss of coordination
- Memory loss
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Ringing in ears
Be safe on bikes.
Hitting the open road on two wheels? Be sure you’re practicing proper bike safety first. That means wearing a helmet, obeying the rules of the road, using reflectors and lights, and wearing brightly colored or reflective clothing in low-light conditions.
The primary care providers at the Culbertson Clinics are here to help keep you and your family safe, healthy, and happy. Learn more about our clinics or schedule an appointment today!