PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The region is finally enjoying the warm temperatures of summer, and many will be spending extra time outdoors fitting in as many activities as possible.
“Our summer season is short in northern Maine, and it’s understandable that we all want to make the most of it,” says John Thyng, PA-C, medical director of Emergency Medicine at Northern Light AR Gould Hospital. “However, we want to remind people to take precautions so you can enjoy these activities safely.”
He and a few of his colleagues at AR Gould offer the following summer safety tips covering various topics.
Sun safety
Many thrive being out in the sun, but when days get too hot, it can bring added health risks, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Thyng offers the following tips for decreasing those health risks.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing.
Protect against sunburn, using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30; apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or more often if you are swimming or sweating. Stay in the shade when possible.
Never leave anyone (human or pet) in a parked car.
Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day.
If you take medications or have a condition that increases your risk of heat-related problems, avoid the heat and act quickly if you notice symptoms of overheating.
Hiking safety
“Aroostook County offers beautiful scenery in many different locations that sometimes are only accessible by hiking trails. However, some trails are harder to navigate than others,” says AR Gould staff member Linda Menard, an experienced hiker who often leads hikes for staff and community members. She offers some tips on how you can stay safe while hiking, whether you’re a beginner or experienced hiker.
Choose trails that fit your fitness levels and interests.
Check the forecast, trail conditions, and park regulations.
Pack water, food, and a first aid kit; take breaks, hydrate, and refuel as needed.
Wear sturdy footwear and proper clothing on your hike.
Be aware of wildlife and keep a safe distance.
If weather or trail conditions become dangerous, stop and get to safety.
Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be home. Don’t assume your cell phone will work in the area you are hiking in.
Water Safety
As we enjoy summer activities near the water, it’s important to prioritize water safety, according to Justin White, MD, senior physician executive at AR Gould Hospital. “By following these essential water safety tips and practices, we can ensure a fun and safe summer on the water,” says Dr. White.
Learn to swim and teach your children to swim.
Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone.
Ensure active supervision of children around water.
Avoid alcohol consumption while swimming or supervising swimmers.
Always wear properly fitted life jackets when boating, as well as when appropriate during swimming.
Check weather conditions before heading out in a boat and carry a means of communication to call for help if needed.
Food safety
Picnics and barbecues are great to enjoy with family and friends, but they can also present opportunities for foodborne bacteria to thrive. Dietitian Nicole Theriault, RD LD, offers these safe food handling tips during warm-weather months.
Keep cold food cold. Keep it refrigerated or in a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs until you are ready to cook (meats) or eat (salads, fruits, veggies) it.
Don’t cross-contaminate. Keep raw meat and poultry securely wrapped to keep their juices from contaminating other food. Don’t reuse platters or utensils; instead, have a clean platter and utensils ready at grill-side to serve your food.
If you have a buffet style picnic and food is out on a table, make sure to have plenty of ice surrounding your cold food items.
Have your food thermometer ready to be sure your food is cooked thoroughly.
Keep “ready” food hot. Grilled food can be kept hot until served by moving it to the side of the grill rack.
Discard any leftovers (hot or cold) that have been left out for more than two hours at room temperature (or one hour when the temperature is above 90 °F).
The team at AR Gould Hospital wishes everyone in the community a safe and happy summer!
