Summer is a great time to enjoy fun in the sun, but the season also can pose some health and safety risks if you’re not careful. Marjory Langer, MD, chief of the Emergency Department at St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center, offers some tips for staying safe this summer:

A. AQUA AWARENESS

Statistics reveal that there were more than 2,000 drownings in the U.S. in 2018, and several hundred of them were fatal. To safeguard yourself and your family in the water this summer, “don’t swim alone — always swim with a buddy,” Dr. Langer said. For kids, “floaties can give a false sense of security because they’re not designed to save lives, so young children should always wear a proper life jacket in any body of water until they’re comfortable swimming.” For those with a pool at home, she added, “be sure that it’s surrounded by a gate or fence with a lock so that kids can’t wander in, and always keep life-safety equipment nearby just in case.”

Marjory Langer, MD, FACEP
chief, Emergency Medicine, St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center

Riptides and ocean currents can challenge even the most experienced swimmers, so Dr. Langer urges ocean swimmers to adhere to all daily flags and warnings. “But in any body of water,” she noted, “people don’t typically make a lot of noise when they’re drowning — they’re often very quiet and might only be struggling above the water for 20 to 60 seconds before they go under.” For that reason, the best way for anyone to reduce the risk of this hazard is to acquire at least basic swim skills. “Spending time in the water is fun, keeps you cool, and is great exercise, but to be able to enjoy the opportunity safely, it’s a great idea to take formal swimming lessons, which are offered throughout a large network of YMCAs, swim clubs and community pools statewide,” Dr. Langer said.

B. BUGS AND BURNS

From bees and mosquitos to ticks and more, the threat of insect bites can put a damper on any summer outing. “If you’re in an area with bugs, it’s great to wear loose, light-colored clothing that covers the extremities; in addition, the use of bug spray containing the ingredient DEET is an effective repellant, but be sure to avoid getting it on your face or in your eyes because it can be an irritant,” Dr. Langer said. In the event of a bee sting, “use a tweezer, credit card or another straight edge to try to remove the stinger and be sure to take Benadryl or to seek medical attention if the sting causes an allergic reaction.”

“If you’re bitten by a mosquito, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help with any itching, but it’s best to try and keep mosquitos away in the first place,” said Dr. Langer, who recommends controlling the nuisance of mosquitos by removing standing water from the yard and lighting citronella candles.

As for ticks, which can carry Lyme disease and other infectious bacteria, “I do a ‘tick check’ with my own kids after they come in from the woods or the backyard,” Dr. Langer said. “If you see a tick, pull it out with a tweezer and call the doctor; also try to reduce the risk of being bitten by keeping covered, especially your wrists and ankles, when you’re outside.” To avoid sunburns, Dr. Langer advised, “apply sunscreen before going out in the sun and reapply it often, especially if you’re in the pool. Bad burns can increase your risk of developing skin cancer later in life, so opt for an SPF of at least 15 to 30 to ensure that you’re getting effective protection from the sun’s rays.”

C. KEEP COOL

“Because body temperatures can rise in the summer, it’s especially important to stay well-hydrated during warm-weather, months,” shared Dr. Langer, who said that depletion can lead to heat cramps, heat stroke and even organ failure in extreme cases. “If you see signs of these conditions, which can include nausea, fatigue and delirium, act quickly by moving into a shady or cooler area and rehydrating with water, Gatorade, Powerade or another drink that contains electrolytes,” she said. “And keep an eye out for these symptoms among children under age 4 and especially among senior citizens, whose bodies don’t compensate as well for changes in temperature.”

Overall, concluded Dr. Langer, “summer is a great time for enjoying outdoor activities, but it’s important to be aware of and protect yourself against the potential pitfalls that can happen this season so that you can have fun safely.”
For more information: St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center, part of St. Joseph’s Health, is located at 224 Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne and can be reached at (973) 942-6900 or by visiting http://stjosephshealth.org/.

St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center: High-Quality Care Close to Home

St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center, part of St. Joseph’s Health, is growing and expanding to meet the needs of northern New Jersey communities. The hospital features comprehensive services including a State-designated Primary Stroke Center, world-class emergency care with a dedicated Geriatric Emergency Department, and advanced robotic-assisted surgery for less pain and faster recovery.

Now open on the Wayne campus is the St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Pavilion, a state-of-the-art facility that offers leading physicians in specialties including bariatric weight loss, liver care, hematology/ oncology, rheumatology, gastroenterology, and breast and general surgery. Physical, occupational and speech rehabilitation offer advanced therapies in the new space, in addition to cardiac rehabilitation, a structured program of exercise and heart-health education designed to help patients regain their active lifestyle after a cardiac event.

To learn more about the clinical services provided at St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center and St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Pavilion, call (973) 942-6900 or visit http://www.StJosephsHealth.org.