Ah, summer is just around the corner! The season of sunny New Jersey beaches and boardwalks, ice cream truck serenades, and much-needed vacations. While summer brings sun and fun, it can also bring a few activities that can be dangerous for youngsters and the young-at-heart.
As always, you’re in good hands — vybe urgent care knows a thing or two about keeping patients healthy, so here are a few tips for having some safe, summer fun.
If you’re taking the kiddos to the pool, remember to encourage them to swim with a buddy – and, of course, have an older adult watching them at all times. And parents, make sure you are taking note of depth markers in pools, especially when you’re letting your little ones try out the deep end.
If you’re hitting your favorite Jersey beach town, remember to always swim where a lifeguard is present. Riptides and big waves are no joke – even the strongest of us can’t swim against them. If the waves look a little too rough, our advice is to stay ashore; it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Not to mention there’s plenty of jellyfish hanging around in New Jersey waters, and those stingers can hurt. Keep an eye on any stings. If they start to look fishy (no pun intended), or cause nausea, vomiting, or a generally unusual amount of pain, it may be time to pay us a visit. Despite what the old wives’ tale might tell you, peeing on it won’t actually do anything!
Some of the best summer memories are made around the grill — we can just smell the charcoal and hotdogs cooking already! But remember, it’s a tricky activity if you don’t know how to properly use the grill. There’s the danger of an open flame and gas (if you’re using a propane grill).
Please make sure you’re only grilling the food and not the house or anyone’s Hawaiian shirt; grill far away from any large structures or loose clothing. On the subject of containment, we suggest that you clean your grill after each use. Grease buildup could result in a fire! If you’re in charge of the grill, always operate it safely and don’t let any rookies take over!
If your backyard barbecue goes awry and someone gets a little too close to the flame, head to one of our locations — we can make sure you get the proper care!
Of course, part of the summer fun at the shore is getting your tan on! It’s no secret that sun exposure can be damaging to your skin (and the rest of your body), which is why it’s imperative to be mindful when sunbathing.
First and foremost: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Interaction with the sun means drying out your skin and your system. If you’re going for a walk, swimming at the beach, or soaking up the sun on a chaise lounge, keep a water bottle handy — your body will thank you.
No matter how good the sun may feel, don’t stay out any longer than 20 minutes without sunscreen. Avoiding a sunburn at all costs will help you stay comfortable at the very least, but sunburns have been linked to an increased chance of melanoma. And of course: wear sunscreen – preferably SPF 15 or higher! No doubt about it, it’s the most surefire way to protect any exposed skin.
When you’re not out cruising the Wildwood or Ocean City boardwalks, sharing summer nights with mother nature is what the season is all about. But what about the critters that we don’t want to spend time with? That’s where bug safety comes in.
Your best bet is to stay away from stagnant water and heavily wooded areas: these are two places where bugs like mosquitoes thrive. And while you’re at it, we recommend wearing shoes when you’re walking through grassy areas. Yes, the feeling of freshly cut grass beneath your toes may be simply serene but many bee species nest in the grass — you don’t want to step on a family of bees. Ouch!
And make sure you’re dressing for summer success! Our advice is to wear long pants if you’re walking through tall brush to avoid contact with ticks or other pests. If you happen to get nipped by a pesky bug and you’re concerned about your bug bite, we can help!
Now that you’ve read our summer safety tips, get out there and have fun — just remember your SPF. If you run into any health concerns along the way, make sure to stop into your local vybe urgent care! You’ll feel better as soon as you walk in.
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