Summer is made for pool days, lazy days in hammocks and grilling out with the family. But all of that can come to a stop quickly if you or your family gets hurt.

Luckily, Teladoc is here to help save your summer with these helpful tips:

  1. More than 300 children are treated in the ER for burn-related injuries daily.1 Use caution when dealing with flammable liquids or being around open flames.
  2. Sunscreen is important for everyone. Those older than six months should use sunscreen with SPF 30 and reapply every two hours.2
  3. In a house fire, smoke and deadly gases tend to spread faster than heat. Smoke alarms should be installed and tested on every level of the home, especially in bedrooms.3 Make sure your family knows basic fire safety tips and has a fire escape plan.
  4. Fireworks are beautiful but can be harmful. It’s recommended that you not purchase your own fireworks, but view public displays run by professionals.4
  5. Every day, about 10 people die from accidental drowning. Make sure an adult who can swim watches children in the pool and check to ensure that life jackets are U.S. Coast Guard-approved.5
  6. Toss the leftovers when necessary. Food left out of the fridge for more than an hour when it’s hotter than 90 degrees should not be consumed and thrown away.6
  7. Stay hydrated by avoiding long sessions out in the sun. Stay in the shade as much as possible and drink lots of water. Try to resist caffeinated, sugary and alcoholic drinks, which can dehydrate you.7

And for any non-emergency health problems, be sure to connect with us 24/7. Teladoc wishes you a safe and happy summer!

 

1. http://www.cdc.gov/safechild/burns/
2. https://www.aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs
3. http://www.preventfire.com/adults/importance-of-smoke-alarms.html
4. https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/pages/Summer-Safety-Tips.aspx
5. http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/water-safety/waterinjuries-factsheet.html
6. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/foodborne-illness-and-disease/foodborne-illness-peaks-in-summer/
7. http://www.livescience.com/38553-staying-hydrated-in-the-heat.html

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