Summer equals fun―whether it’s a trip to the beach, a hike among soaring redwoods or firing up the barbecue with friends in your backyard. In this article, PAMF's Terry Hollenbeck, M.D., from the Scotts Valley Urgent Care Department, and Norma Morrison, M.D., from the Travel Medicine Clinic in Sunnyvale, share their top tips for staying healthy and safe while you enjoy your favorite summer activities.

1. Protect yourself from the sun.

Apply sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 about 20 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours. Reapply after a dip in the pool, even if you are using a water-resistant product. To cover most of your body, use at least 2 tablespoons of sunscreen. Wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection. These same tips apply to kids!
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2. Beware of the heat.

To reduce the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, plan your adventures for the cooler morning and dusk hours. Avoid direct exposure to the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and always keep well-hydrated.
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3. Look out for bugs.

Mosquitoes: Ward off those pesky insects by using an insect repellant containing DEET. If you’ve been stung, use ice and an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as Benadryl, to sooth itchiness.

Bees, wasps and yellow jackets: Don’t set up your picnic near areas where bees or yellow jackets are buzzing around. If you do get stung, ice will numb the pain. Of all these insects, only the honeybee will leave its stinger behind. If you’re stung by a bee, pull out the stinger as quickly as possible. If you’ve previously had a serious reaction to insect stings, go to the nearest medical facility for care.

Ticks: Out hiking? Ticks love to hang out in woody and grassy areas. Check yourself and your loved ones carefully when you get home. It usually takes a while for a tick to become attached and more than 24 hours for it to spread an infection. If a tick has become embedded, grab the tick with a pair of tweezers as close to the skin as possible, and slowly pull it straight out.
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4. Know how to recognize poison oak.

Poison oak is everywhere―in the woods, at the beach and in even in our backyards. The best protection from poison oak is to make sure you and your family recognize it and keep away. You can get poison oak from anything that comes into contact with the plant such as pets, clothing, shoes and shoe laces. If you do brush against poison oak, rinse the oily residue off your skin and clothing as soon as possible with soap and water.
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5. Be water safe.

Make sure your kids are always supervised when they are in a swimming pool, lake or the ocean. Watch out for currents, rocks or rip tides, and always be aware of your surroundings. And of course, don’t mix alcohol and swimming!
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6. Take care of what you eat.

Enjoying an outdoor picnic or barbecue? Don’t eat anything that has been sitting out too long to avoid food poisoning. If you are preparing chicken for the grill, wash your hands and all utensils with hot soapy water before using them to prepare other foods. Raw chicken can contain salmonella bacteria, and infected chicken juices can contaminate other foods. Once the chicken is cooked, it is safe to enjoy.
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7. Buckle up.

Before driving off to any fun summer destination, make sure you and all your passengers always buckle up―and don’t forget to drive safely!


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