WBHS PE/HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Boosting Brain Power through Physical Activity
From the Desk of our School Nurses
Everybody loves SUMMER
By: WBHS Clinic
During summertime, kids are outside playing, doing lots of different activities like hiking, fishing, biking, swimming or even camping. Here are a few tips for prevention to staying safe during summertime!
BEAT THE HEAT AND SUN
Number one, stay hydrated! Water is essential for our bodies to function properly. Because your body loses water through breathing, sweating and digestion, it's important to re-hydrate by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water. Another important thing to remember when being outside in the sun is, sunscreen! Sunscreen is a must, even on cloudy days! Apply sunscreen liberally thirty minutes before going out into the sun and reapply every two hours or sooner especially if swimming, sweating or toweling off. Look for products with UVA or UVB protection and an SPF of at least 30 or greater. Avoid the sun on hot humid days if possible, especially during peak hours of 10 am to 6 pm. If you can’t, that is ok just remember the sunscreen and to stay hydrated.
WATER SAFETY
NEVER swim alone! Supervision is vital and regardless if you are a good swimmer, no child or adult is drown proof! Stay Safe!! Always know where the phone is to call in case of an emergency. Keep first aid kits and life jackets nearby.
MOSQUITO AND TICK SAFETY
Hiking, camping or even if outdoors in wooded areas, wear tick/bug repellent. If you have your dog with, make sure you have treated them with preventatives as well. Try and stay on the center of paths, wear long sleeves or long pants, even tucking pants into socks. The same would apply for areas where poison ivy or oak may be growing. Educate yourself on what poison ivy and oak look like along with ticks. Become familiar with the symptoms that may occur, and if you become exposed or find a bite you will know what to do. Perform tick checks on all family members.
HELMET SAFETY
Whenever on wheels like: bikes, rollerblading, long boarding or even skateboarding- wear a helmet!! The helmet should fit properly and be secured each time during activity. Use the proper helmet for activity that you are doing. Everyone should wear a helmet, young or old it doesn’t matter, wearing helmets save lives! Be safe!
Lastly, cars are hot! Never leave pets or children in the car, even if the windows are rolled down.
Enjoy summer time and be safe!