As we soak up the sun and enjoy the great outdoors during the rest of our summer vacation season, it’s important to be mindful of potential risks that can put a damper on our fun. July also happens to be Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to shed light on the importance of protecting ourselves from the harmful effects of UV radiation while being aware of common vacation injuries.
Beach vacations are always a popular choice for travelers, but injuries can happen anywhere during our summer fun. From sunburns to water-related mishaps, here are some common vacation injuries to keep on your radar:
Heat-related illnesses:
Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke are common concerns especially in hot climates. Make sure to stay hydrated, take regular breaks in the shade, and wear lightweight, breathable to help prevent these heat-related illnesses.
Water-related accidents:
Whether you’re swimming in the ocean, pool, or a natural body of water, water-related injuries such as drowning, near-drowning, and injuries from water sports can occur. It’s crucial to adhere to water safety guidelines, never swim alone, and supervise children at all times.
Food and drink mishaps:
Trying new foods and drinks is a highlight of any vacation, but it’s important to be mindful of food safety to avoid stomach issues and food poisoning. If you are worried about food-related issues or have a sensitive stomach, you may want to stick to reputable food establishments by checking reviews and ensuring that the food and drinks you make on vacation are properly prepared and stored.
Sports and recreational activities:
Engaging in adventurous activities like hiking or biking can lead to injuries if proper precautions are not taken. Always use appropriate safety gear, follow guidelines depending on the activity, warm up your muscles, and be aware of your physical limits to prevent injuries.
Sunburns:
When having fun outdoors is easy to forget to apply sunscreen and underestimate the power of the suns UV rays. Sunburns can not only be painful but also increase the risk of skin cancer. To avoid this, it’s essential to apply sunscreen with a high SPF, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours.
In light of Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Awareness Month, it’s crucial to emphasize the significance of protecting ourselves from harmful UV rays. Exposure to UV rays, whether from sunlight or tanning devices, is a risk factor for all types of skin cancer. The risk is higher for people with a weakened immune system, a personal or family history of skin cancer, and if they have large or many moles on their skin.
In addition to UV safety, being mindful of vacation injuries is essential for a fun and safe travel experience. By being prepared, we can reduce the risk of common vacation injuries and ensure that our summer adventures are full of fun memories. If you suffer an orthopedic injury or are in pain after vacation, reach out to schedule an appointment today!