Environmental Extras: How To Be Safe This Summer
Posted by Kyley Eagleson on Fri, May 25, 2012 @ 11:02 AM
Since this weekend, which is supposed to be absurdly hot, is both a holiday weekend and the weekend of the Indianapolis 500 we decided we should do a summer safety post! So, for those of you going to the race, those planning to spend some time grilling out, and those who just plan to take the weekend to relax, please consider the following:
1) Sun safety - This is an issue that is sweeping the nation; with awareness rising along with the reports of skin cancer in young adults. This being said, we don’t encourage you to hide indoors all the time, just make sure to be careful about you and your family’s sun exposure. If you plan to be outside always apply sunblock, even if you don’t burn or don’t think you’ll be out long enough for any damage to be done. What many people don’t realize is that A) a person should only be outside without sunblock for 20 minutes a day and B) any change in skin pigmentation is damage, whether that change is burning or getting tan. So remember, always make sure you protect yours and your family’s skin!
2) Ozone Safety - In Indianapolis, we have Knozone Days, other cities call them Ozone Alert Days, Ozone Action Days, or Air Quality Action Days, names aside, these all have similar purposes. These days are observed at certain times during the summer months, when weather conditions (such as heat, humidity, and air stagnation) run the risk of causing health problems. On these days it is asked that residents try to limit the amount they drive, cut back on strenuous outdoor activities, avoid fueling vehicles until after dusk, and to put off lawn mowing. All of these measures are recommended to help your health and safety by limiting the amount of emissions put into the air and by limiting your exposure to poor quality air.
3) Heat Safety - In the warm summer months it is more important than ever to remember to keep properly hydrated. Additionally, if you start to feel as if you are getting overheated don’t just ignore the problem and assume it will go away, take a few minutes to go inside and cool down if you can.
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