When summer finally gets hot and the sun is shining, it is time to enjoy outdoor activities with family or friends. How about a bike ride to the swimming lake, a trip to the swimming pool with the children, or an idyllic picnic in the countryside? To ensure that everyone can enjoy the beautiful weather carefree, some precautions should not be overlooked.
Keep a cool head
There is no question that sunshine makes us happy. However, anyone who exposes themselves to the sun for too long without protection risks overheating. Especially when the head and neck are exposed directly to the hot summer sun for an extended period, there is a risk of heliosis - heatstroke may result. If the first symptoms are not addressed immediately, it can even lead to a life-threatening heat collapse.
Our body signals the onset of overheating through dizziness and headaches, which may also be accompanied by vomiting and severe fatigue. Affected individuals should be moved into the shade immediately. If severe dizziness or impaired consciousness has already occurred, the emergency services must be called without fail. Do not take any risks with your health!
Fortunately, it is usually not difficult to stay cool. Especially when it is uncomfortably warm even in the shade and there is no lake, paddling pool, or swimming pool nearby, cooling sprays, gels, or cool packs can help prevent overheating.
Heat cramps can be another side effect of summer activities. They are usually caused by heavy sweating in high temperatures. The body can lose large amounts of water and electrolytes in the process. In general, fluid loss in summer temperatures should be offset by drinking regularly. If cramps have already developed, consuming salty broth, soups, or electrolyte drinks may help.
Ice or ice-cold drinks should be enjoyed with caution when there is a fluid deficiency, as the body must warm these substances to body temperature during digestion and consequently loses additional energy.
Cooling the affected muscle can help suppress cramps. Athletes use cold spray with antispasmodic and pain-relieving properties for this purpose, for example.
Be prepared for typical summer injuries
Typical minor injuries occur time and again in summer, especially among children at play. Anyone running around in shorts or swimwear is likely to pick up the occasional graze or bruise.
Bumps and bruises can be treated, for example, with cold spray or instant cold packs. As for grazes or small cuts, simple adhesive bandages are generally sufficient to keep the summer fun going. From simple finger bandages to waterproof bandages that do not come off while swimming or showering, to spray-on bandages - there is a suitable bandage for practically every situation.
To avoid having to carry dozens of packs of bandages to the beach or swimming lake, it is a good idea to simply pack a handy first-aid bag. These are available in various sizes - for example, suitable for a bicycle basket or handbag.
The bags each contain a selection of different types and sizes of bandages, individually packaged by type. They also include other useful first-aid supplies, such as first-aid dressings, disposable gloves, or compresses.
Be prepared for hygiene emergencies
Who hasn't experienced this - while visiting a wildlife park, the child picks up what the animals have left behind, park benches are so dirty that you do not want to sit down, or public toilets in a terrible condition ruin the day at the beach. Fortunately, there are disposable gloves and handy disinfectant solutions for hands and surfaces that fit easily into a beach bag or luggage. Disinfectants are available, for example, as liquid solutions, pre-moistened wipes, or in spray bottles. Simply put on the gloves, take out the disinfectant of your choice, and the day can continue without the unpleasantness.
Enjoy the summer!
We wish you a wonderful summer 2016 with plenty of good weather and the best of spirits while enjoying sports, games, and leisure time!
