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 Block
the sun, Not the fun
Preventing
Heat Stroke
Small
Steps
Gearing
Up for Bicyle Safety |
If you don’t see your shadow,
you will likely burn.
 Even one or two blistering sunburns can increase
your risk for developing skin cancer, including
melanoma, later in life. To be sun savvy this summer,
remember these important tips:
- Limit exposure during peak sunlight hours
from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to block
UVA and UVB rays with a Sun Protection Factor
(SPF) of 15 or greater.
- Sunscreen should be applied 15–30 minutes
before going outdoors and reapplied every two
hours, even on cloudy days.
- Don’t forget your hat and sunglasses;
they’ll help protect you from the sun.
- Remember: “No shadow, seek the shade.” If
your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s
rays are at their strongest, and you will likely
burn.
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Heat stroke is the most serious sun-related
illness, especially for children under four, people over
65 and those who are overweight or taking medications
that increase sun sensitivity.
Heat stroke occurs when
the
body is unable to control
its temperature: The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism
fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F
or higher within 10 to 15 minutes.
Keep an eye on friends and family members when you’re having fun in the
sun. Warning signs for heat stroke can vary, but may include:
- An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
will likely burn.
- Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong
pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
If someone is showing signs
of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, follow these steps:
- Get
medical attention as soon as possible.
- Move the
person out of the sun immediately and into a cool,
air-conditioned or shaded place.
- Give him or her plenty
of water to drink and, if possible, a cold bath
or shower to bring the body temperature down.
Learn More
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Americans experience significant health problems due to inactivity
and poor diet, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Recognizing that change can be difficult, HHS suggests
starting with small steps. Here are some examples:
Activity
- Do sit-ups in front of the TV.
- Go for a half-hour walk instead of watching TV.
- Walk during lunch hour.
- Take a walk or do desk exercises instead of a cigarette or coffee
break.
- Take the long way to the water cooler.
- Join an exercise group.
- Do yard work.
- Park further from the store and walk.
- Avoid using labor-saving devices.
Food
- Drink water before each meal.
- Eat half of your dessert.
- Choose fruit for dessert.
- Don’t skip meals.
- Eat before grocery shopping.
- Make a grocery list before shopping.
- Buy 100% fruit juices rather than soda and sugary drinks.
- Eat off of smaller plates.
- Increase the fiber in your diet.
- Eat before you get too hungry.
Learn More
- Smallsteps.gov, sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human
Services
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It’s a beautiful day, and bike riding is a perfect activity
the whole family can enjoy. But before you start pedaling, take the
necessary steps to ensure a safe ride:
- Make sure that each bike frame is not too big
or too small for its rider.
- Check that brakes are in proper working order
and the chain is well-oiled.
- Adjust the seat and handlebars to an appropriate
height.
 Helmets Save Lives
The good news: More kids are wearing helmets. The bad news: They are not wearing
them correctly.
Helmets are a matter of life and death and should not be an option.
In Oregon, the law requires children under 16 to wear a helmet.
Remember that three out of four bike accidents involve an injury to the head,
and a crash could mean permanent brain damage or death for a child who isn’t
wearing a helmet.
Here are some tips for selecting a helmet:
- Look for a helmet that is well ventilated.
- The helmet should fit firmly but comfortably on
your child’s head. It should also be level—be
sure it doesn’t tilt in any direction.
- On the inside of the helmet, look for either a “CPSC” or “ Snell” sticker
to indicate that the helmet meets standard safety
requirements.
- Involve your child in selecting a helmet so it
is a color and style that he or she likes and is
more likely to wear.
Learn More
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