The summer comes and goes, so enjoy it safely while it’s here

Enjoy a fun and safe summer with these easy tips from Dr. Carol Martin, who specializes in emergency medicine at Black River Memorial Hospital:

COOL DOWN

Symptoms of heat exhaustion — dizziness, headache, sore muscles — also can be signs of heatsroke. Seek medical treatment when you have a fever of 103 or higher, have a fast pulse, or if a person is confused or passes out. When someone has these symptoms, do your best to cool them down with cool, damp cloths or a cool bath.

SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN

Whether you burn easily or not, everyone should wear daily sunscreen to avoid sun damage. SPF30 is a good sunscreen because it blocks 97% of UVB rays. Reapply every two hours and allow it to dry before getting in the water.

WATCH THOSE BUG BITES

Swelling, redness, and itchiness on a bug bite are normal — and annoying. If your whole body feels scratchy, your throat doesn’t feel right, or you look/feel hot, get to an emergency room because you may be having an allergic reaction. According to Martin, 3% to 7% of people have a severe insect allergy.