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                         May 24, 2002

Tips for staying healthy through the summer

Submitted by Chip Graham
USMA Safety Office

It is time to remind our community about the 101 critical days of summer that run from Memorial Day to Labor Day. They are called "critical" because more people are hurt and killed during this period than at any other time of the year.

Off-duty mishaps -- especially automobile accidents -- continue to take their toll on the Army family. Each year, we forget the basic summer safety rules: don’t drink and drive, buckle seat belts, obtain proper child-restrain devices, install car seats properly, don’t speed and don’t drive fatigued.

This summer, to help prepare the community to recognize heat-related injuries, we will assist with an article dedicated to just that. But for now, if the weather turns hot, slow down and avoid strenuous activity. The following are some tips for staying cool despite the heat:

- Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning isn’t available, stay on the lowest floor and out of the sunshine. Electric fans don’t cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools your body.

- Wear lightweight, light colored clothing. Light colors reflect some of the sun’s energy.

- Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you are not thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool, and water is the safest fluid to drink during heat emergencies.

Speaking of water, if your plans include swimming (information on safe boating will follow in another article), please consider the following:

- Swim only in protected areas and obey the safety rules.

- Use the "Buddy System."

- Before wading, swimming, jumping, or diving in an unfamiliar place, find out the depth of the water and whether there are hidden rocks or strong currents.

- Keep away from swift moving water and watch out for undertow. If caught in a current, swim with it and, at the same time, head towards shore.

- Never combine alcohol and water sports.

- Stay out of the water during a thunderstorm.

And what about staying safe during those thunderstorms and lightning strikes? Lightning kills more people in the U.S. than any other weather hazard. To avoid becoming a statistic, please consider the following when a thunderstorm threatens:

- Go inside a large building.

- Get inside a car (not a convertible), roll up the windows, and avoid touching any metal part of the vehicle.

- Stay away from telephones, except in an emergency.

- Stay away from tall trees and power poles.

- Stay away from small metal vehicles, such as motorcycles, bicycles and golf carts.

- If caught in an open area with no low ground, crouch into a small ball with your feet close together, put your hands on your knees and hold your head as low as possible. Avoid touching the ground with your head or hands.

As hard as we try, we don’t always reach all of our community members with important summer safety information. However, as good stewards, we can rely on each other to make sure co-workers, commanders, leaders, family and friends deliver the message. It is vital during this timeframe to use good judgment, maturity and plain old common sense.

Every summer we face great challenges to remain safe, and this season won’t be any different. We all know what the dangers are and who is at risk. Use the Army Risk Management process and assistance from the USMA Safety Office (938-3717), to help you plan to work and play safely. Lets take care of each other.