HCC Coleman College offers safety tips for summer fun

Jun 11, 2019


School is out, and kids are ready to jump in the pool, or the family is heading on vacation. Before getting in the car with a favorite video game or mom’s summer read, Houston Community College (HCC) is encouraging everyone to take a moment to remember a few summer safety tips.
 
“We just want folks to take a little time to think about summer safety, both in the pool and out of the pool,” said Dr. Delores Saddler, Program Director for the Nursing Department HCC Coleman College Center of Excellence for Health Sciences. “The most important reminder is to take the sun seriously because there’s a difference between heat exhaustion and heat exposure.”
 
Dr. Saddler says that heat exposure is marked by dehydration and can be solved by drinking fluids, but heat exhaustion can be fatal and may cause symptoms of dizziness, nausea, excessive thirst, fever of 104 degrees or more, and heavy sweating. In this case, she says to call 911 and apply ice to the neck, arm pits, and groin area until emergency crews arrive.
 
Most summer safety tips involve water, sun and fun, but they still warrant certain precautions, so it never hurts to ask the expert for advice. Here, Dr. Saddler discusses the facts and fiction about the summer sun:
 

 
“Of course, adults should always watch children, who are naturally curious and will wander away, so keep them in a floatation device at all times,” said Dr. Saddler, who also recommends that everyone learn CPR. “Children as young as eight or nine can take CPR.”
 
She suggests CPR classes at a local YMCA or other independent instructors, who focus on chest compressions. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is not as commonplace as it was unless individuals are prepared with protective gear to avoid infections.


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