Summer Safety Tips from Your Parish Nurse-6.5.25

Dear St. Peter's Family,

As the summer months unfold and we embrace the warmth of the season, it's essential to take extra precautions to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe while enjoying the outdoors. Whether you’re cooling off in the pool, traveling, basking in the sunshine, or spending time in nature, I want to offer a few important reminders to help ensure a healthy and safe summer for all.

Pool Safety: Protecting Our Loved Ones

With hot weather comes pool season! While swimming can be a great way to stay cool and active, safety around water is paramount.

• Never Leave Children Unattended: Always designate a "Water Watcher" when children are swimming, even if they know how to swim. Drowning can happen in seconds, so it’s important to stay vigilant at all times.

• Use Proper Safety Equipment: Ensure that all swimmers, especially children, are equipped with life jackets if necessary. Flotation devices are helpful but never substitute for adult supervision.

• Know CPR: If you don't already, consider learning CPR. This life-saving skill can make all the difference in an emergency.

  
  

Tip: Before jumping in, make sure the pool area is free from hazards, and check that the pool's chemical balance is correct. This helps prevent skin and eye irritation.

Travel Safety: Prepare for the Road Ahead

Whether you're going on a road trip or flying to a vacation destination, traveling can be exciting, but it's important to be mindful of your health and safety.

• Travel with a First Aid Kit: Make sure you have essential items like band-aids, pain relievers, and any necessary medications. Don’t forget any prescriptions and keep them in their original bottles with labels visible.

• Stay Hydrated: Summer heat can lead to dehydration quickly. Keep a bottle of water with you at all times and make regular stops if you’re driving to avoid fatigue.

• Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunscreen, especially during long trips where you may be in direct sunlight for extended periods. UV rays can damage your skin even when you’re inside a car or plane.

  
  

Sun Safety: Protect Your Skin and Health

While it’s wonderful to enjoy the sun, we must be mindful of its potential dangers. Skin protection is key to avoiding long-term damage such as premature aging and skin cancer.

• Apply Sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.

• Cover Up: Wearing a hat, sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeve clothing can help protect you from harmful UV rays.

• Seek Shade: Whenever possible, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are the strongest.

  
  

Tip: Be extra cautious with children’s skin, as they are more sensitive to sun exposure.

New Invasive Tick Species: Be Aware of the Risks

A new invasive species of tick, Amblyomma americanum, or the Lone Star Tick, has been reported in our area, particularly in parts of Eastern Pennsylvania. These ticks can carry Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), a serious disease that requires prompt treatment.

Signs of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever:

• Fever

• Rash (typically starting at wrists and ankles)

• Headache

• Muscle aches

• Nausea

The best way to prevent tick-borne illness is to reduce exposure to ticks, especially when spending time in wooded or grassy areas. Here are a few steps to protect yourself:

• Wear Long Sleeves and Pants: Ticks often latch onto exposed skin, so it’s best to cover up when hiking or walking in wooded areas.

• Use Tick Repellent: Apply insect repellent containing DEET or permethrin to your skin and clothing. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Perform Tick Checks: After spending time outdoors, carefully check your body and your pets for ticks. Pay special attention to areas like underarms, groin, and behind the knees.

• Remove Ticks Safely: If you find a tick attached to your skin, use fine-tipped tweezers to remove it, pulling straight out. Clean the area with soap and water.

  
  

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy

While we want to enjoy the beauty and fun that summer brings, it’s important to take these simple steps to protect your health. As your Parish Nurse, I am here for any questions or concerns you may have. Feel free to reach out if you need advice on any of these safety measures.

Let’s make this summer a safe and joyful time for all!

With care and blessings,

Kristina Marchuk (kmarchuk923@gmail.com)

Parish Nurse, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church – Glenside