By: Renee Johnstonbaugh, AmeriHealth Caritas Pennsylvania
A recent warm spell has us starting to think about summer and making plans. Summer is the perfect time of year to spend outdoors with your family. Before you head outside, remember these important safety tips:
Sun and Heat
- Wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
- Wear a hat and stay in the shade.
- Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses.
- Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
- Drink lots of water!
Bikes and Boards
- Wear a helmet that fits right.
- Wear wrist, knee, and elbow pads.
- Make sure your bike is the right size. Adjust the seats to the right height for you children.
- If riding at night, wear bright clothing and make sure you have reflectors on your bike or board.
Water
- Teach your children to swim. If you can’t teach them, enroll your children in swimming classes.
- If you have a home pool, put a fence around it with a locking gate.
- Watch your children at all times when they are in or near water (including bathtubs).
Bugs
- Serious reactions to bee and wasp stings are shown by hives, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Call 911 right away if you or your children have these symptoms.
- Mosquitos can carry the West Nile virus. This can be fatal. To stay safe, put on an insect repellent (bug spray) that has no more than 30 percent DEET.
- Ticks can cause Lyme disease and other infections. To protect yourself and your kids, wear pants and long-sleeved shirts when walking in the woods or tall grass.  Also, check hair and skin for ticks after spending a lot of time outdoors.
The Women’s Health Task Force is a small group volunteering their time to educate women and families on important health issues. If you have an interest in health, work in a caring profession, or just want to volunteer with other sincere women, consider attending our planning meetings.
These meetings are held the first Thursday of each month beginning at noon. Our next meeting will be held on April 7 at Clearfield County Career & Technology Center.  All interested persons are encouraged to attend.  Additional information is available by calling Robin Kuleck, Penn State Extension, at 814-765-7878 Ext.2. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whtfclearfieldcounty.
