Dogs Days of Summer: Survival Tips

With the hottest days of summer in full swing, remember to keep your family safe and healthy with the following tips:

Look before you lock.

• High temperatures inside a closed vehicle have claimed the lives of almost 900 children nationwide since 1998, according to the National Safety Council.
• Never leave your child alone in the car! Make it a habit to always look in the front and back of your vehicle before you lock it and walk away.

Avoid excessive sun exposure.

• Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, even late in the day and on cloudy days to prevent sunburn and skin cancer. Also try to limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Spoiler alert.

• Keeping food at proper temperatures is key in preventing the growth of food borne bacteria.
• Never leave picnic food out for more than two hours, or one hour if outdoor temperatures are above 90° F.

Hydrate.

• Drink a lot of water (six or more 8 oz. glasses daily).
• Prolonged outdoor activity may increase sweating and make you lose fluids more rapidly than normal. Use sports drinks, which contain electrolytes like sodium and potassium, to replace what the body loses through sweat.
• Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.
• ​Avoid alcoholic or sugar-filled beverages to conserve body fluid and very cold drinks to avoid stomach cramps.

Swim safely.

• Swim with a buddy, and never leave a child unsupervised by or in a pool or waterway.
• Also take note of weather conditions; strong winds and thunderstorms with lightening strikes can have deadly consequences.

Wear shades.

• Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays and introduce this habit to your children as early as possible.
• Regular use of sunglasses may reduce your risk of developing cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and cancerous growths.

Keep your cool.

• Heat exhaustion and heat stroke happen when the body’s internal temperature rises due to prolonged outdoor activity.
• Besides hydration, be sure to wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to keep your cool.
• Try to limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.