Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on September 04, 2024
Sea Lice
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Sea Lice

You may hear about outbreaks of sea lice causing an itchy, red rash at your favorite Florida or Caribbean beach this summer. The name is a little off, though. The critters that cause the rash known as seabather’s eruption are tiny jellyfish called sea thimbles. The itch usually starts after you get out of the water. It affects skin that was covered by your bathing suit, T-shirt, wetsuit, or whatever you had on. Doctors think the jellyfish larvae get trapped under your suit and the pressure makes them sting you. To prevent the rash, take your suit off as soon as you can and get in the shower. Don’t forget your hair. They can get in it, too. 

Your Feet Waited All Winter
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Your Feet Waited All Winter

We get it: It’s too hot for other shoes. But if you can bend your flip-flop in half, it’s too flimsy to support your foot. The best ones are sturdy and made of high-quality leather.

Flip-flops are fine for the beach, the pool, and the locker room, where they can stomp out athlete’s foot. But don’t run, walk long distances, or play sports in them. You could sprain an ankle.

Run-in With a Bear
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Run-in With a Bear

You’re not likely to cross hiking paths with a bear. But if one sees you and takes notice:

  • Make yourself look as big as you can.
  • Speak calmly in low tones.
  • Wave your arms slowly so it sees that you’re not prey.
  • Move away. Go slow -- don’t run. Head sideways.
  • Don’t turn your back.
  • Never growl or try to sound like a bear.

Attacks are rare. If it’s a brown or grizzly bear, play dead. If it’s a black bear, you must try to escape or fight back.

Mowing Injuries
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Mowing Injuries

You just wanted to cut your grass! But those sharp blades move fast. Thousands of people each year are injured using lawn mowers.

Keep your mower in good repair. Always shut it off before you check problems.

Don’t use your hands to clear debris from the blades. Protect your eyes, legs, hands, and feet.

Got a riding mower? On slopes, move up and down, not sideways, to avoid tipping over. Never let kids ride with you. Have them stay inside until you are done.

Is That a Shark Fin?
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Is That a Shark Fin?

You should worry more about sunburn than sharks. It only takes a few tips to stay safe:

  • Avoid being in the water at twilight, when sharks are most active.
  • Don’t go in the water if you’re bleeding.
  • Don’t wear shiny jewelry when you swim. It could look like fish scales to a shark.
  • Know that sharks are sometimes near the shore. Sandbars can trap them close to the beach at low tide.
Are You Sure You Want to Eat That?
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Are You Sure You Want to Eat That?

We love a good picnic. But not so much if the mayo sits out too long.

  • Keep cold foods cold.
  • Don’t keep any foods at room temperature longer than 2 hours -- or 1 hour if it’s warmer than 90 degrees.
  • Don’t reuse platters that have held raw meat until you wash them thoroughly.
Ocean Dangers
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Ocean Dangers

Rip currents can pull even strong swimmers out to sea. Shore breaks happen when waves break directly onto the beach, and they can cause spinal cord injuries in surfers.

Choose a beach with a lifeguard, who can tell you about water conditions.

Sneaker waves, found on the West Coast, come out of nowhere and sweep away people standing on dry land. Although most common in winter, they can strike when weather is sunny and calm. Never turn your back on the ocean.

Brain-Eating Amoeba
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Brain-Eating Amoeba

This tiny organism lives in lakes, rivers, and hot springs. It enters through your nose and can cause a rare, fatal brain infection.

The only way to prevent infection is to avoid swimming in warm fresh water. If you do get in the water, don’t put your head under. You can also reduce the risk by wearing nose clips, especially if you are going to jump in, which can send water up your nose.

Grills
9/14

Grills

What’s summer without outdoor cooking? Just follow some simple rules:

  • Keep your grill away from buildings and branches.
  • Don’t let grease build up.
  • Never leave your grill unattended.
  • Keep kids and pets away.

Does yours use propane? Test for leaks before the season starts. If you ever smell gas while you’re cooking, get away from the grill and call the fire department.

West Nile Virus
10/14

West Nile Virus

Mosquitoes are more than a bother. They can spread West Nile virus. Most people who get the virus have no symptoms at all. But very serious and sometimes fatal illness can happen in less than 1% of those infected.

The only way to avoid West Nile is to avoid mosquito bites. Wear mosquito repellent and, if weather permits, long pants and long sleeves outside from dusk to dawn.

At home, get rid of standing water in birdbaths, buckets, and tire swings. They’re breeding grounds for mosquitos.

Ouch, My Foot!
11/14

Ouch, My Foot!

One minute you’re strolling barefoot. The next, you’re in pain. Puncture wounds happen more often in summer, when bare feet meet nails, glass, toothpicks, and seashells. 

The biggest problem is infection. Heat, swelling, and drainage are signs that need quick medical attention. You may also need to update your tetanus shot

Sunburn
12/14

Sunburn

Always wear sunscreen. Avoid the sun’s strongest rays during the middle of the day. Wear clothes that protect your arms and legs, and a hat that shields your face, ears, and neck. Reapply sunscreen every 3 hours, or more often if you get sweaty or swim. (There is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen.) Remember, even a tan is sun damage.

Extreme Heat
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Extreme Heat

It’s hot! That’s not just uncomfortable. It can make you sick. Take special care with children and the elderly, because their bodies don’t cool as well.

Wear loose clothes, don’t exercise at the hottest part of the day, and stay hydrated. Symptoms of heat-related illness may include cramps, nausea, and pale moist skin. Go to a cooler place, drink fluids, and put cool cloths on the skin. If you are not getting better or if you have more serious symptoms such as high fever, fast heart rate, warm and dry skin, confusion, change in behavior, or convulsions, call 911.

Pool Risks
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Pool Risks

Teach kids to swim, always watch them closely at the pool, and keep pools fenced.  Don’t mix drinking with fun in and around the water. Alcohol affects your balance and judgment.