Safety Tips for the Summer

Summer is here! The change in season allows us to spend more time engaging in outdoor activities, but unfortunately this comes at the expense of exposure to heat and other risks. Below are some tips to help you keep safe as you enjoy the summer. n

Avoiding excessive sun exposure n protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses. Exposure to UV rays has been associated with development of photokeratitis (sunburned eyes), cataracts and several other eye conditions n to avoid sunburn and help prevent skin cancer, protect your skin from the sun by applying sunscreen agents of SPF 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen about 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. Sunscreen should be re-applied every 2 hours while outdoors however, when sweating or swimming it is advised that sunscreen be re-applied even sooner n for children or persons with sensitive skin, use sunscreens with mineral or physical barriers (for example zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sunscreens) to avoid skin irritation n avoid sunscreen in infants and toddlers under 6 months if possible n wear light colored clothing to help reflect the sun away from the skin n wear hats/caps to block sunrays from hitting the face

Preventing heat exhaustion or heat stroke n stay hydrated by drinking water and other non-alcoholic beverages n work shorter shifts between breaks if you are required to work outdoors n wear lightweight clothing to help stay cool n do not leave children or pets unattended in cars n watch out for the symptoms and signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke listed below

Signs of heat exhaustion: n headache, dizziness n nauseas +/- vomiting n fainting n heart beating fast n muscle cramps n skin appears moist and pale

Signs of heat stroke: n body temperature greater than 103 degrees Fahrenheit n headache, dizziness, confusion, change in behavior (such as irrational or boisterous behavior) n seizures n unresponsiveness n breathing fast n sweating is absent and skin is flushed, dry and hot to touch

Staying hydrated n drink enough water to keep lips from getting dry and to prevent urine from appearing dark (concentrated) n when sweating, in addition to drinking water, drink rehydration fluids/ sports drinks that will allow you to replace electrolytes in addition to repleting fluids n avoid drinks with high levels of sugar or caffeine because these could actually cause you to become dehydrated n avoid excess alcohol intake

Water and swimming safety n learn to swim and teach children to swim n children should wear life jackets that are coast-guard approved when playing in or around water (pools, ponds, lakes, beaches) n teach children the “life saver” technique for water safety. This involves knowing how to rotate into a floating position on your back and then paddling to safety n teach children to avoid swimming close to pool drains or suction outlets in pools n ensure pools are enclosed. A securely locked gated fence should surround the pool area and it is advised to get a gate alarm for the gate leading to the pool area n remember that fountains and small ponds also put people at risk for drowning, thus ensure children are closely monitored when a fountain or pond is present at a location

Food safety n to avoid food poisoning, do not leave perishable food out at room temperature for over 2hrs when outdoor temperatures are under 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Once outdoor temperatures are above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, it is advised to avoid leaving food at room temperature for over an hour. Food should be discarded if these time limits are exceeded n when using barbeque grills, ensure that meat is cooked thoroughly before serving for consumption. A food thermometer should be used to ensure that meats are cooked to the correct internal/central temperature n avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat and poultry away from prepared/cooked foods that are ready for consumption

Additional tips n learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and keep a first aid kit in your car n pre-plan safe pit-stop locations when organizing road-trips and do not drive when fatigued or tired n use insect repellants when going on hikes to reduce the likelihood of getting illnesses spread by ticks or mosquitoes n when planning to travel (particularly if traveling to another country), find out about health and safety risks for your destination before your trip n ensure children wear properly fitting helmets when riding bicycles

Please visit the references below for additional information.

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https:// www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2019/p0517-eighttips-healthy-summer.html

2. Mayo Clinic. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/ discussion/welcome-summer-with-five-summersafety-tips/and https://www.mayoclinic.org/ diseases-conditions/heat-stroke/symptoms-causes/ syc-20353581

3. Medstar Health. https://www.medstarhealth.org/ blog/7-essential-summer-safety-tips-for-all-ages

4. American Academy of Dermatology Association. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sunprotection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/sunscreen-faqs

5. American Red Cross. https://www.redcross.org/ get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-ofemergencies/summer-safety.html

6. Johns Hopkins. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/ health/wellness-and-prevention/summer-safety

7. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/ summer-safety-tips-for-kids/

8. US Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda. gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/handling-foodsafely-while-eating-outdoors

Marshaleen N. Henriques King, MD, MSc, FACP, FCCP

Zion Hill Baptist Church (ZHBC) recently hosted a Juneteenth Observance presentation on June 17, 2023 as part of their School of LOVE, LEARNING AND SERVICE (SOLLAS BLAST) series of Christian Education instruction. The Juneteenth Observance featured topic of SOLLAS BLAST VI was the vision of our very own Pastor Aaron L. Parker Ph. D. The guest presenter was ZHBC’s Reverend Kevin Jackson.

The Juneteenth Observance topic was very relevant and timely given the considerable amount of mystique, confusion and perhaps deliberate misinformation that abounds regarding exactly what Juneteenth does or does not represent. Reverend Jackson did a masterful job in dissecting some of the commonly held misconceptions regarding Juneteenth.

One of the principal points the presentation addressed was the actual motivation for waging the Civil War. Many have long believed that the Civil War was fought solely for the purpose of ending slavery. The real history, as aptly shared by Reverend Jackson, suggests otherwise. Though the abolishment of slavery did play a role in the decision to fight the Civil War, maintaining the unification of the country was the principal purpose President Lincoln hoped to achieve. Black Union Soldiers made it possible for President Lincoln to achieve that purpose!

The influence that Frederick Douglas had on President Lincoln was also prominently alluded to during Reverend Jackson’s presentation. ZHBC is actively engaged in the preservation of Black History despite attempts to diminish, misrepresent or outright erase our history. ZHBC’S SOLLAS BLASTS are one tool we regularly utilize to combat deceptive attempts to undermine our Faith in GOD and the COURAGE HE has instilled in us. Please make sure you actively support SOLLAS and help SOLLAS grow because it is our institution and we must sustain it!

Lastly, know this: the Civil War would not have been won had it not been for the GOD fearing, courageous efforts of our ancestors. The Black Union Soldiers who fought and died for this nation have often been intentionally written out of history. We are here now to set the record straight! “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’ (John 8:32 KJV)

Our enslaved ancestors were not freed from slavery by the mere stroke of a pen or General Grainger arriving with what some might consider yesterday’s news. Our ancestors, guided by their spiritual beliefs, FAITH and COURAGE, FOUGHT FOR AND DIED FOR OUR FREEDOM!!!! That battle continues to this day!!!!

Please view the YouTube video by our late, noted Civil War Historian Hari Jones for a detailed expose’ on Juneteenth at: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=I7__GlJuFOM. n

Submitted by The SOLLAS Staff