Summer is time for fun outdoors in the sun. Perhaps you love golfing or cycling. Maybe you love to hike with your dog, take long walks on the beach, or just get together with friends for a backyard barbeque. Whatever your passion, injuries tend to be more common in the summer months. This is why it’s important to have a comprehensive California health insurance plan.
Below we’ll highlight some of the most common injuries that occur during the summer and how to prevent them.
- Burns –– Between fire pits, barbeques, and campfires, it’s not surprising that burns happen more frequently during the summer months. To avoid burns:
o Never leave a fire unattended.
o Watch children closely around a fire, and keep them away from flames.
o Keep a fire extinguisher on hand and know how to use it.
o Make sure fire pits, barbeques and campfires are kept in open spaces away from anything flammable, including brush.
o Don’t kick or poke at embers after a fire is out, as embers can stay hot for many hours.
- Pulled Muscles –– Muscle injuries are common in the summer as people engage in their favorite sports and activities. Prevent pulled muscles by:
o Always lifting objects with your back straight and knees bent. This puts most of the weight on your legs and will help prevent back injuries.
o Warming up and stretching your muscles before any kind of sports or other activities.
o Exercising regularly throughout the year to keep your muscles strong. Injuries commonly occur when muscles are cold and tight.
- Slips and Falls –– Whether you take a spill off your bike or slip on a wet surface, slips and falls are common. To prevent them:
o Always make sure you have appropriate footwear and protective gear for the sport of activity you’re engaging in.
o Always wear a bike helmet, and consider knee and elbow pads, as well.
By taking these and other precautions, you’ll avoid injuries like broken bones, sprains, and strains that could have you laid up and missing out on the fun.