| Make It a Long, Safe Summer |
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By Lee Bowman
Scripps Howard News Service
(June, 2003) In many emergency rooms, it's known as the "trauma season." That magical time when Americans get out of the house, under the sun, into the water -- and generally put themselves in harm's way in pursuit of summer fun. For kids 14 and younger, May through August accounts for 42 percent of all accidental deaths, including 66 percent of drownings, 53 percent of fatal bike accidents and 49 percent of fatal falls. July is the peak month for it all, and perhaps more so this year since rain across the eastern half of the country has kept kids -- and adults -- cooped up through much of the spring and early summer. With the elderly, steady heat over 90 degrees can be deadly. People over age 65 account for 45 percent of heat-related deaths, even though they make up just over 12 percent of the population. Middle-agers who try to keep up with the kids also run a greater risk of recreational injuries, dehydration, sunburn and insect bites, and need to work out steps to protect the whole family. Without taking all the fun out of summer, health and safety advocates have good advice about keeping safe and healthy: Sun Of course you don't want to increase your odds of becoming one of the one million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed in the United States this year. The doctrine is to avoid the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and frequently reapplying sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or better. But dermatologists complain that the SPF rating scheme only applies to ultraviolet B radiation, not UVA, which stays at the same intensity throughout the day and makes a significant contribution to premature skin aging and immune system suppression. Consumers need to make sure their sunscreen provides protection against both types of rays. And don't skimp: whether you measure the lotion by fingers, shot glass or other means, it's estimated that the average family of four ought to use 24 to 48 ounces of sunscreen per week of vacation at the shore. By the way, don't forget to protect the eyes. The Vision Council of America trade association did a recent sun-awareness survey that found only about 6 percent of adults know that the same solar rays that harm the skin can affect the eyes, even if you don't look directly toward the sun. From cataracts to macular degeneration later on in life, "many serious vision problems could be avoided if everyone wore proper sunglasses or shaded their eyes. It's one of the easier things we can do for our health," said Dr. Susan Taub, an ophthalmologist taking part in the group's new "Shade Your Eyes" campaign. Stings, Bites and Mites Up to 5 percent of Americans are at risk from potentially life-threatening allergic reactions from stinging insects, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. At least 40 deaths a year occur from such reactions. Dr. David Golden, a member of the academy and specialist in insect allergies, says, "People who are allergic to insect venom should carry injectable epinephrine to treat the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, but this is a rescue medication only. You should have someone take you to the emergency room if you are stung." He says many people who have severe sensitivity to insect venom should consider allergy injections with small doses of the venom over time, which can prevent future dangerous reactions in up to 97 percent of all patients. Everyone should include anti-itch cream and insect repellent in their outdoor kits, especially this year with West Nile virus, Lyme disease and human granulolcytic ehlrichioosis, like Lyme a tick-borne disease that seems to be spreading and may be even more dangerous. Aside from wearing protective clothing -- including a good hat -- and bug dope containing DEET, make sure to keep long pants tucked into socks or boots, and do a thorough body check when you undress after a day in the fields or woods. Wear the Gear The Coast Guard notes that 8 of 10 boating fatalities were not wearing approved flotation devices, and other experts say most of the 7,000 yearly deaths by drowning are preventable. Still, don't rely too heavily on safety devices. Don't go alone, know your limitations and be particularly wary of unfamiliar waters, whether it's the ocean, lake or river. Ask locals and lifeguards, for example, about dangerous currents or obstructions that might not be obvious. On dry land, too, always wear proper protective gear, and especially helmets. According to the American Medical Association, 75 percent of the 800 cyclists killed each year die from head injuries. Beat the Heat The old strategy of drinking so many ounces of water an hour, etc., has fallen into disfavor because getting sloshy can dangerously dilute blood mineral levels. But steady drinking -- water is best, but definitely not a lot of caffeine -- before you're thirsty is still the best way to avoid overheating and dehydration, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Otherwise, take breaks in cool places, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, and avoid heavy exercise during the heat of the day. Remember that even when temperatures go down in the evening, air pollution levels, especially ozone, can still be too high for even the healthy to bike or jog. (On the Net: www.cdc.gov. sunsafetyalliance.org and http://www.safekids.org.) (E-mail Lee Bowman at bowmanl@shns.com.)
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