Spring Safety Made Easy in Three Steps
After a long period of work and school, you’re probably looking forward to some much-needed fun in the sun now that spring has arrived!
Before you dive into all that excitement, take a moment to pause, reflect, and consider spring safety. Springtime is not just about embracing the warmer weather and blooming flowers – it’s also an important period for prioritizing safety. Remember, having a good time doesn’t have to lead to a visit to your Bryan, TX emergency room!
We’re sharing this important guide to ensure you have an enjoyable spring without compromising your safety and well-being.
Time in the Sun
As Texans, we love our sunny days, but it’s essential to enjoy them safely. The first step to a safe spring is understanding the importance of sun protection. Here’s how:
- Wear sunscreen, lots of it, and reapply often – Start with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Make sure to apply it to all areas of skin exposed to the sun. Remember to reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating. A good rule of thumb is to use a shot glass-sized amount for your body and a teaspoon for your face.
- Drink plenty of water – Staying hydrated is key, especially when spending time outdoors. Carry a reusable water bottle and aim for at least eight glasses of water a day. This helps prevent dehydration and heatstroke, common issues during Texas springs.
- Protect your eyes – Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion statement; they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Look for glasses offering 100% UV protection. This not only keeps your vision sharp but also prevents eye diseases related to sun exposure.
Avoid Dangerous Alcohol Consumption
Spring celebrations often include alcohol, but it’s vital to consume responsibly. Here’s how you can stay safe:
- Don’t let your drink out of your sight – Always keep an eye on your drink to avoid the risk of it being tampered with. This simple habit can protect you from potential harm.
- Don’t drink and drive – Designate a sober driver or use ride-sharing services. There’s never an excuse for drinking and driving. Planning ahead can save lives.
- Don’t drink in a hot tub – It might seem relaxing, but alcohol can enhance the effects of the hot water, leading to dizziness, or worse, unconsciousness.
- Avoid binge drinking – Know your limits and stick to them. Binge drinking can lead to serious health risks and unsafe situations. Enjoying a drink slowly is not only safer but also allows you to savor the moment.
Wash Your Hands!
Handwashing is a powerful tool to prevent illness. The CDC outlines key times to wash your hands, including but not limited to:
- Before eating or preparing food – This reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- After using the restroom – This helps stop the spread of germs.
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing – Especially important during allergy season, this practice can prevent the spread of viruses.
- Before and after caring for someone who is sick – To protect yourself and others from the spread of illness.
The correct way to wash your hands involves scrubbing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Our spring safety tips are designed to be simple yet effective, ensuring families can enjoy all the joys of the season while staying safe. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. By taking these easy steps, you’re not just protecting yourself but also your loved ones and the community around you. Let’s embrace the season with safety in mind and make the most of this beautiful time of year.
Despite our best efforts to be cautious, accidents can occur, and not everyone may act responsibly. For this reason, all our Physicians Premier facilities remain open 24/7, ensuring minimal wait times for those in need.
Sources:
“Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun,” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun
“Never Mix Hot Tubs and Alcohol,” Aquatech Utah, https://aquatechutah.com/hot-tub-tips/never-mix-hot-tubs-and-alcohol/
“Binge Drinking,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/binge-drinking.htm
“When and How to Wash Your Hands,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/binge-drinking.htm
