It’s the season to get out and have some fun in the summer sun. Here are a few tips to help keep the good times rolling and help avoid illness or injury:
1. Recall this
Before you hit the road for a family vacation, check to see if your vehicle has a safety recall. More than one in four cars on the road have one,[1]which could lead to serious injury. You check for recalls at checktoprotect.org by simply entering your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN number. The VIN can be found in the lower left corner of your vehicle’s windshield, on the inside of the driver-side door or on your vehicle’s registration card. Repairs for recalls are free of charge to the vehicle owner.
[1] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.
2. Don’t Get Burned
Choose the right sunscreen and apply it – generously – even on cloudy days. Look for water-resistant, broad-spectrum coverage with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply every two hours; more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
3. Be a “Food Monitor”
The warm weather is picnic-perfect. But it’s also perfect for supporting the growth of harmful food bacteria, so keep your eye on the heat — and the meat:
- Perishable food like cooked or raw meats and salads should never be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. But …
- If temperatures hit 90 degrees or above, that rule changes to no more than one hour. When in doubt, toss it out.
4. Play It Cool
- Staying hydrated – drinking even before you get thirsty.
- Avoid alcohol, which can affect your body’s ability to regulate your temperature.
- Be aware that certain medications like antihistamines and anticholinergic drugs such as those in sinus, allergy, and cough and cold medicine can reduce the body’s ability to sweat. This impairs heat dissipation and can increase the possibility of heat stroke.
5. Remain COVID-Conscious
Get local updates and find out where you can get vaccinated to help protect the people you care about. Visit the RCH COVID-19 page.