Page 3 - Senior Times South Central Michigan June 2023 - 30-06

Senior Times - June 2023 Page 3
SUMMER SAFETY
By: Steve Frisbie, VP, LifeCare Ambulance, & Calhoun County Commissioner
As we head into the summer season, are you ready for warm weather and activities that sur- round the seasons? Sun, water, sporting activi- ties, and motorcycles are a few of those options that bring with them some challenges we need to remind ourselves of so we and our families can be safe while having fun.
antibiotic ointment with large bandages will prevent infection and better yet, get that child back into the game.
Let’s review some of the safety issues you can implement to help avoid a tragic end to an otherwise wonderful experience.
Motorcycles – Riders know wind therapy is something difficult to replicate. Helmets are not required in Michigan. I’ve been to plenty of motorcycle accidents. Helmets have spared several of the would-be victims from serious injury or even sure death. I encourage you to always wear a helmet! Another good idea is skin protection of leather pants/chaps, gloves, and jackets to keep anyone thrown off their bike from a serious case of “road rash.” Flip flops and a tee shirt won’t protect you from pavement or gravel. Road rash is as bad or sometimes worse than burns.
Pools – Time to check how well your gate lock works! Make sure it prevents curious tod- dlers and adventurous youth from your pool.
It should be complicated and inaccessible for young ones. Remove chairs and such that could be moved to gain access to the lock. Young children will watch and learn how you open that gate; it is important to keep it out of reach!
Great Lakes Swimming – Several beach- es in West Michigan have flags that indicate the swimming conditions. Heed that advice! South Haven and other pristine Lake Michigan beaches are something every Michigan resi- dent should experience. Lake Michigan is not
a normal inland lake! The threat of undertow or undercurrents, sometimes called a “rip tide” can result in the same outcome as those condi- tions in the Pacific Ocean. If caught in the cur- rent, begin swimming in a sideways direction along the beach, not against or with the current that takes the person from knee deep wading
or swimming to potentially hundreds of yards offshore. Children and adults should know how to safely remove themselves from danger if caught in a rip tide!
Be seen on your bike! Headlights on, reflec- tive tape on the bike and clothing help make other drivers aware of your presence.
Visiting children (especially unaccompanied by a parent or guardian) should wear a flotation device in your pool.
Heat, Hydration & Skin Care – Always remember to hydrate with water and/or sports drinks that replace electrolytes when active
in the summer heat and humidity. Sunscreen, even while in the water, is important to protect your skin. Reapply after swimming! Babies, toddlers, and seniors are very susceptible to overheating from being outside. Shade and hydration along with recovery periods in air conditioning are great methods to overcome the effect of heat!
Boating – Having a flotation device for everyone on board the boat is not just the law, it’s a great safety practice. Young children and toddlers (even those who have been through swimming lessons) should wear a device that helps them keep their head above the water should they find themselves in the water on purpose or accidentally. Make those devices bright colors that are easy to see for other boat operators and their spotters. Activities such as water skiing and tubing are super fun for the physically fit that can participate. No matter the age, a floatation device will not only meet the law, but it will also be invaluable should an unplanned event occur! Anyone overboard in an unplanned event should have the tools to survive.
First Aid – Knowing when to activate 911 is smart. However, most children’s activities can result in minor scrapes, bumps, and bruises.
Be ready to take care of that raspberry on your child’s knee from sliding into a base or home plate. Having some water and disinfecting or
Children & Vehicle Travel – Often, grand parents and other relatives find themselves entrusted with the travel of young children they normally do not have in their vehicles. Know and understand the laws of safe child restraint system requirements before heading out to your destination!
Have a safe and enjoyable summer!
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Call a licensed Humana sales agent
Alexander Brand 269-908-2208 (TTY: 711) Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. abrand2@humana.com
A more human way to healthcareTM
At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status or religion. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意:如果您使用繁體中文 ，您可以免費獲得語 言援助服務 。請致電 1-877-320-1235 (TTY:711) 。
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