Summer Fun and Protection

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities with family and friends, such as swimming, hiking and barbecuing. To ensure your summer fun is safe and enjoyable, remember to protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and protective clothing, stay hydrated and avoid heat-related illnesses. Read these tips for safe summer fun!

Children playing at side of pool with adults nearby.

Sun Protection

Summer brings plenty of sunshine, making it important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause sunburn, premature aging and can increase the risk of skin cancer. To be safe, always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. Additionally, wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, hats and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from sun damage.

Sun Protection List:

Use SPF 30+ sunscreen
Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours
Wear long-sleeved shirts and hats
Use sunglasses for eye protection

Insect Protection

Summer is also the season for insects, including mosquitoes, ticks and bees, which can carry diseases or cause allergic reactions. To protect yourself, apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus when spending time outdoors. Wearing long sleeves and pants can provide an additional barrier against bites. Check your body and clothes for ticks after being in wooded or grassy areas and remove any you find promptly. Keep outdoor areas clean to avoid attracting bees and other stinging insects.

Insect Protection List:

Use insect repellent
Wear long sleeves and pants
Check for ticks after being outdoors
Keep outdoor areas clean

Water Safety

Summer is a great time for swimming and water activities, but safety should always come first. Never swim alone and ensure children are always supervised by a responsible adult. Learning CPR and basic water rescue skills in case of an emergency may be a good idea. Make sure to swim in designated areas where lifeguards are present. For boating or other water sports, always wear a life jacket. Be aware of weather conditions and water currents and avoid swimming in strong currents or during storms.

Water Safety List:

Never swim alone
Supervise children around water
Learn CPR and rescue skills
Wear life jackets for boating
Swim in lifeguarded areas

Author

DHMP Staff Writer

Sources

National Institutes of Health|Sun and Skin

CNN|Mosquitoes and Ticks

American Animal Hospital Association|6 Summertime Dangers for Pets

CDC|Preventing Drowning

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Denver Health Medical Plan Blog

Sun Protection

Insect Protection

Water Safety

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Summer Fun and Protection

Sun Protection

Insect Protection

Water Safety

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