News 40 Health Reports: Focus on Summer Safety

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Memorial Day – it’s a day of remembrance, and it’s considered the unofficial start of summer.

And that means that after the parades and ceremonies, families and friends will gather in backyards to enjoy the warmer temperatures and togetherness.

That also means an increase in seasonal injuries that starts with grilling out.

Dr. Shea Inman, an emergency physician at Tristar Greenview Hospital’s emergency department, says it’s important to operate grills safely.

He recommends keeping the grill away from the sides of houses and other buildings as well as keeping them out from under awnings and other coverings. Dr. Inman also says it’s important that grills are not left unattended.

He also advises anyone with a swimming pool to know CPR. And, be sure and keep the area around the pool secure by using a fence. Having life jackets and enrolling children in swimming classes while they’re young is also a must.

Another hidden danger is heat stroke, which can be deadly. Dr. Inman says staying hydrated and taking breaks indoors are good ways to prevent heat stroke.

But heat exhaustion hits as a warning that you’re moving into heat stroke.  Some of the warning signs of heat exhaustion include:

Dizziness

Thirst

Heavy Sweating

Nausea

Weakness