Want to get the most out of your summer this year? Keep an eye out for your health and safety, and you will be protecting yourself from the hidden dangers accompanying the summer months.
Here is a quick rundown of what to do to stay safe during your summer vacation.
Be extra careful on the roads
Summertime means more drivers are out on the roads as they make their way to their vacation destination. Unfortunately, traffic accidents typically peak during the holiday season. Not only could a car accident cause you a wide range of medical issues, it can also put a hole in your savings.
According to WestCoastTrialLawyers.com, a Woodland Hills car accident lawyer, “If you plan on taking your car over other transportation options, be sure to give your car a maintenance check before heading out to avoid accidents on roads.” If you do not know how to do this yourself, have it done for you at a car garage. Additionally, make sure you know the steps to take should you be involved in a traffic accident.
Guard against heat exhaustion.
Even for those who love warmer weather, there is a point at which the body turns the corner and starts heading toward heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is common in the summer. Mayo Clinic states symptoms include a rapid pulse and sweating more than usual, as well as fatigue, dizziness, faint spells, and chills.
Be careful to avoid high temperatures and strenuous activity during the heat of the day. Heat exhaustion, if left untreated, can turn into heat stroke. So if you begin to recognize the signs, stop what you are doing and focus on cooling down, resting, and hydrating (see next point).
Have a water bottle on hand throughout the day
Your hydration needs increase during hotter months because your body sweats out water in order to keep you from overheating. If you do not drink enough water, your body goes into dehydration mode.
Because our bodies are up to 70 percent water, even a 1 percent deficit can impair coordination, mood, memory, and attention. Additionally, when the body is not hydrated enough, this can impact your body’s ability to keep itself cool.
Many health experts suggest 8 cups of water a day as a benchmark. But if you are larger or smaller than the average man or woman, then your needs will differ. Here is a technical calculation you can perform to figure out your personal hydration needs.
The one thing you want to avoid is drinking your daily quota all at once. This can lead to water intoxication because your kidneys are only able to expel 500 ml of water every hour. Drinking half a liter every hour is okay. But avoid going over that mark.
Keep vacation weight gain in check
Ever end a vacation several pounds heavier than when you began? It’s a common problem. And it is not only about all the eating out you’re doing. It could be the lazy days by the poolside–lounging and not swimming–that contributes to that extra weight around your middle.
Is eating out one of the highlights of your summer plans? But you hate the guilt that comes with stepping on the scale after living it large? Keep your exercise habit alive during the summer. Vacation from work, school, or studies does not need to mean a vacation from taking care of your body by staying fit and feeding it real foods, not junk.
Well before the first day of summer, have a solid exercise plan that you commit to sticking to each day of summer. Look for hotels that have fitness facilities. Bring your running shoes, even when going for a weekend trip to the beach. And when you’ve forgotten your pair of tennis, and there’s no gym in sight, have a YouTube fitness video bookmarked and ready for such times.
With sun, surf, barbecues, and more just around the corner, paying attention to these points will help you enjoy your summer in good health and safety.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
