Summer Break Safety Tips

Summertime Wellness Tips for the Entire Family

Summertime brings a break from school, more time with family, celebrations, adventures, and great weather! What could be better? While there is so much to enjoy this season, it's essential to keep your family healthy and safe.

The health experts at Antelope Valley Medical Center are here to share some important safety advice to keep your summer happy and healthy.

Stay Active & Safe

Are the kids looking forward to months off lounging on the couch? Or are they looking forward to swimming, hiking, and adventure? Whatever your interests this summer, getting outdoors and staying active is important. However, many outdoor activities come with their fair share of risks for injury — ranging from broken bones to concussions to bug bites.

Here are a few tips for celebrating summer safely:

• Stay hydrated and use a high-SPF sunblock, sunglasses, and hats to avoid sunburn and heat exhaustion.
• Stay in the shade during peak sun hours (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Check all equipment before heading out on an adventure.
• Stay on marked paths and trails when hiking, biking, or sailing.
• When playing sports, always warm up, avoid contact with other players and treat injuries.
• If you notice redness, swelling, or allergic reactions to a bug bite, seek medical care.
• If you suffer a burn, seek medical attention.
• Refrigerate your food quickly after use or eating.
• Never leave your children unattended in the pool.
• Never swim alone, and make sure everyone in the pool knows how to swim.
• Enter the pool feet first, not head first.
• Don’t mix swimming and drinking alcohol.

Stick to a Healthy Diet

When summer rolls around, weekday routines change, and you may wonder what to make the little ones while they're home. There are plenty of fresh fruits and veggies that grow this time of year — so why not turn them into healthful and delicious summer meals?

Here are some nutrient-dense options to spice up your routine and provide a daily dose of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients:

• Blueberries
• Zucchini
• Pears
• Peaches
• Melons (such as honeydew and cantaloupe)
• Kale
• Salmon
• Watermelon
• Tomatoes
• Cherries
• Raspberries
• Avocados

Identify Allergies & Illnesses

School is out for summer, and the weather is warm — who would want to spend all of that time indoors? However, with warm weather comes a host of seasonal allergies. At the same time, it's still possible to become sick — especially if you're traveling. For that reason, it's essential to know when you or your child should seek medical care for COVID-19, the flu, or another illness.

Allergies bring a level of discomfort that generally ranges from mild to moderate. Spending an afternoon around your sister's cat or being outdoors when the pollen count is high could bring on allergies. Some of the most common allergy symptoms include:

• Sneezing.
• Itchy or watery eyes.
• Tiredness or fatigue.
• Sinus pressure headache.
• Runny nose or nasal congestion.
• Post-nasal drip with or without a sore throat.

However, many of these symptoms can be present in patients with COVID-19. The most significant indicator of COVID-19 vs. allergies is a fever and the loss of taste or smell. This can be pretty shocking for many people and present far more dramatically than losing these senses due to a runny nose.

You can view more information in greater detail from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for a breakdown of the flu vs. COVID-19.

Treatment Tips

Allergies can pop up at any stage of life. If you believe you have allergies, you or your little ones should be tested and diagnosed to start taking allergy medication and limit your exposure to specific allergens. If you feel as though you do have COVID-19 and your symptoms worsen, it is crucial to contact Antelope Valley Medical Center immediately.

Read More: Staying Healthy While Looking After a Sick Child

Know Your Risks of a Stroke

Though a stroke can happen year-round, we tend to see more of them during the summer. Recent research has looked into the relationship between seasonality and strokes and has found that a few factors could contribute to an increased risk of strokes during the summertime.

Strokes are caused by many different risk factors, such as high blood pressure and blockages in the arteries. These conditions can be exacerbated by hot weather, leading to increased stroke risks. Dehydration can also increase your risk for stroke.

Stroke vs. Heatstroke

Patients tend to believe that strokes happen more during the summer because they've heard of heatstroke. Strokes are caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain, while heatstroke is a condition that can occur when the body overheats. Knowing the difference and your set of risks is incredibly important. So, remember to stay cool and hydrated!

Specialty Care in Lancaster, CA

We hope your family has a happy, healthy, and safe summer break! However, if you require medical care, our team is here to help. As the only full-service, acute-care hospital in Antelope Valley, Antelope Valley Medical Center is proud to deliver exceptional medical care to the community we serve. Our knowledgeable staff is dedicated to providing our patients with genuine, compassionate care and medical excellence.

Call (661) 949-5000 or visit our dedicated services page for more information about the offerings at AVMC.