Guest column: Safely soak up the summer sun

The following appeared in the spring 2023 Ocean Pines Report quarterly newsletter: /documents/20124/91011/OP_newsletter_v55no3_web.pdf/48fe5b2d-9750-8028-7c2a-eba214908eba

 
Summer sun safety
 
Summer projections from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) show that Maryland is predicted to have one of the hottest summers on record. Living on the Eastern Shore, residents are more vulnerable to this extreme heat. Here are some tips to keeping cool this summer:
 
●      Limit your outdoor activity, especially midday (during the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) when the sun is hottest.
●      Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat-related illness.
●      Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
●      Always use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
●      Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
●      Never leave children or pets in cars.
●      Keep humidity in mind - When the humidity is high, sweat won’t evaporate as quickly. This keeps your body from releasing heat as fast as it may need to.
 
Remember, those who are at highest risk include people 65 and older, children younger than two, and people with chronic diseases. Take these measures to stay cool, hydrated, and healthy this summer.
 
Be prepared, not scared - Hurricane preparedness
 
From June 1 to Nov. 30 is the Atlantic hurricane season. The Eastern Shore is vulnerable to weather threats such as hurricanes and flooding. It's important for you and your family to have a planned response in the event of an emergency. When you’re prepared for whatever comes your way, you’re not scared. Here are some preparedness tips for you and your family:
 
●      Have an emergency kit ready with supplies for at least three days.
●      Know your evacuation/route.
●      Have important documents/ID’s copied and in a safe place.
●      Stay informed - use weather apps, radio stations, or television stations to stay up to date on any developing storms.
 
This summer, Worcester Health is launching the “Be Prepared, Not Scared” video series starring community members, and details everything you will need to know to be prepared for this hurricane season. Videos will be posted on the Worcester Health YouTube channel and Facebook page.
 
Hot summer programs
 
Quit Smoking/Vaping Classes:
Kick off your summer days by quitting smoking/vaping! Summer is a great time to begin your quit journey; you’re less stressed, there’s more sunshine, and outdoor activities resume. Take advantage of all of these good changes and join one of our Quit Smoking/Vaping classes!
 
Worcester Health offers classes for both youth aged 13-17 and adults over 18. For the adults, vouchers for free nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges are offered with regular attendance of weekly classes.
 
For more information on the Quit Smoking/Vaping Classes, call 410-632-1100 ext. 1103
 
Diabetes Prevention & Support:
Did you know that 96 million adults in the U.S have prediabetes? Many do not even know they have it because prediabetes often goes undetected until serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes show up. It’s important to talk to your primary care physician about getting your blood sugar tested if you have any of the risk factors for prediabetes, which include:
 
●      Being overweight
●      Being 45 years or older
●      Having a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
●      Being physically active less than three times a week
●      Ever having gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or giving birth to a baby who weighed more than nine pounds
●      Having polycystic ovary syndrome
 
Worcester Health offers multiple diabetes prevention and support programs including Lifestyle Balance, Diabetes Support Group, and Medical Nutrition Therapy. For more information on diabetes programs, call 410-632-1100 ext. 1108.