Summer is the ideal season to spend more time outside doing what you enjoy most, like cycling, swimming, or camping. Participating in outdoor activities keeps you active and is a great way to boost your physical and mental health! However, outdoor activities can also come with hazards and risks that can result in preventable injuries. By being proactive and prepared, you can avoid a costly trip to the ER this summer! Follow along to learn our top tips for staying safe outdoors.

Check the Weather

Always check local weather reports while planning outdoor activities, especially camping or hiking, where your access to shelter and other resources may be limited. Even routine weather events like heavy rain and thunderstorms can quickly become dangerous if you’re caught unprepared, so it’s best to plan ahead and ensure that a summer storm won’t derail your woodland hike.

Stay Hydrated

As the weather heats up, we lose a lot of fluids through sweating. Failing to replenish your body’s fluids can lead to severe dehydration and even heatstroke, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. To reduce your risk, ensure that you have a drink at least every 15 minutes when in hot weather. Choose hydrating beverages like water, juice, or sports drinks, and avoid alcohol or highly caffeinated beverages like coffee, which can worsen matters.

Wear Sunscreen

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer in America? In fact, 1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed in their lifetime, and harmful UV rays from the sun are a significant contributor to skin cancer.

You can dramatically reduce your risk by wearing a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher. Your sunscreen should be water-resistant to prolong its effectiveness, and you should reapply every two hours to stay protected (sooner if you’re sweating or swimming). Sunscreen should be worn year-round and in overcast weather, as the sun’s rays can still permeate cloud cover.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Your clothing can make all the difference when it comes to spending time outdoors! For hot summertime temperatures, be sure to wear breathable, light-colored clothing that keeps you cool; activewear is an excellent choice. Don’t forget your hat and sunglasses! Meanwhile, in cold weather, wearing a winter coat, boots, a hat, and gloves is vital to staying warm and protecting yourself from dangerous conditions like hypothermia and frostbite.

Take Precautions

Take precautions when you’re outdoors to avoid common hazards and injuries, and use appropriate safety equipment. Use EPA-approved insect repellant if you’ll be in heavily wooded areas, wear a lifejacket if you’ll be out on the water, and check yourself and your pets for ticks or other insects before heading indoors.

Bring Your First Aid Kit

Having a family first aid kit is essential anytime you venture outdoors. Ensure you keep it well-stocked with crucial supplies like bandages, antiseptic, and pain and allergy medication. You can create a first aid kit using your own supplies or purchase a complete kit from organizations like the Red Cross.

Take Breaks

When exercising outdoors, take plenty of breaks to give yourself the opportunity to rest and recover. In hot weather, seek out shade and drink plenty of water. In winter weather, you may seek shelter and bring a hot beverage in a vacuum-insulated flask to fend off the cold and keep you hydrated.

Be Aware of Temperature-Related Illness

Overexposure to both hot and cold weather can be hazardous to your health in different ways. In the summertime, watch out for signs of heatstroke, including confusion, nausea, not sweating even in the heat, flushed skin, rapid pulse, or a slow, weak pulse.

In the winter, look for signs of hypothermia, which include cold feet and hands, shivering, slurred speech, puffy or swollen face, pale skin, and sleepy or agitated feeling. Both conditions are medical emergencies that should be immediately treated at your nearest hospital.

Take Care of Pets

Many people enjoy bringing their pets, especially dogs, on outdoor adventures. While bringing your dog on a hike can be a fun way for you to enjoy the outdoors together, be aware of your pet’s needs. Allow them to take frequent breaks and provide them with plenty of fresh water to drink. Your canine companion will thank you!

Always Tell Someone Where You’re Going

The world is yours to explore! Just be sure that when you spend time outdoors, you always tell someone where you’re going and when they might expect you to return. This is especially important when visiting remote areas while hiking, cycling, or camping, as you may not have access to cell service or other communications. Letting someone know where you are makes it much easier for rescuers to find you if you’re stranded and need help.

Visit Lincoln Urgent Care and Granite Bay Urgent Care for Common Outdoor Injuries

Despite our best efforts, sometimes accidents happen, and people fall ill. Thankfully, we’re here to help you treat common injuries or illnesses that occur during your outdoor adventures. Avoid a costly trip to the emergency department and visit our urgent care clinic instead! Our experienced team of professionals can quickly treat minor to moderate injuries and illnesses with affordable and timely care. Call us or visit our clinic directly for immediate attention.

Lincoln Urgent Care (916) 258-2751
Granite Bay Urgent Care (916) 570-7265