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JBSA News
NEWS | Aug. 3, 2016

Health risks accompany popular summertime activities

Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

Outdoor fitness and recreational activities are popular summertime diversions, but they also come with health risks.

With the Air Force Summer Safety Campaign entering the home stretch, Joint Base San Antonio fitness and safety professionals offered advice to ensure Airmen and their families safely enjoy the final weeks of the summer.

Too much sun exposure and excessive heat are common dangers to all outdoor activities – whether it’s jogging, bicycling, swimming or camping.

“People are susceptible to heat-related injuries such as heat stress and heatstroke while they participate in outdoor activities,” said Master Sgt. Justin Thibodeaux, 502nd Air Base Wing safety technician. “Excessive exposure to the sun can raise the risk for melanoma. People are also at risk for dehydration.”

Because dehydration can lead to heatstroke and other serious problems, staying hydrated – drinking enough water to replenish fluids lost through sweating – is crucial, said Tommy Brown, Rambler Fitness Center fitness programmer.

“Dehydration is obviously a big issue during any outdoor summer activity,” he said. “Staying hydrated is key during these times, so keeping water nearby is a must, especially if you plan on doing any of these activities by yourself.”

People can also prevent heat stress by taking regular breaks from the heat and sun by going indoors, Thibodeaux said.

Clothing plays a role in heat stress, Brown said.

Try to avoid overheating yourself due to excessive clothing,” he said. “Avoid wearing sweatpants and jackets outside in the heat to prevent heat exhaustion.”

Both Brown and Thibodeaux emphasized the need for people to always wear sunscreen when they are outdoors for an extended period of time.

Precautions should also be taken when playing team sports such as baseball, softball and football or simply enjoying a bike ride, Brown said.

“With team activities that take place during the summer, injuries are bound to happen,” he said. “With that being said, having a first aid kit on hand as well as access to a phone in case of an emergency would be smart moves on anyone’s part.”

Brown also recommended the use of protective gear.

“Helmets, whether they be used for baseball, football or even bike riding, help prevent head injuries,” he said. “If possible, children especially should make sure they are secured in other protective gear such as knee and elbow pads to further prevent injury.”

Water-related activities – swimming, boating and fishing – present their own special challenges.

Drowning is one of those risks, Thibodeaux said.

“The precautions to take when swimming depends on the person’s level of proficiency as a swimmer,” he said. “Swimming safety items such as floaties are available for people with limited swimming ability. When swimming in a public pool or at a beach, ensure a lifeguard is present. If a lifeguard is not present, employ the buddy system.”

Boating dangers include encountering boaters who are operating their vessel recklessly or at high speeds, striking sand bars or submerged plant roots and running out of fuel, Thibodeaux said.

“Boaters should always carry a means to communicate in the event they become stranded or injured,” he said. “In addition to a means of communication, it is recommended to wear life vests while boating. It is not recommended to go boating by yourself, but if you do, let someone know what area you will be in while on the boat.”

Fishing is a leisurely activity, but it, too, requires awareness.

“When fishing, be cognizant of the area you are fishing in,” Thibodeaux said. “Many areas in East and Southeast Texas have alligators that rest near the banks of the lakes, swamps and ponds. Always supervise children when baiting a hook as hooks are very sharp and can become embedded in the skin with ease. If fishing from rocks, watch the footing to avoid falling into the water.”

Thibodeaux also addressed the potential hazards of camping, another popular summertime activity.

“Camping can place participants in areas they are not familiar with or in areas where communication with emergency services can become difficult,” he said. “Wildlife in the area, from large animals to insects, can pose different types of threats, as many are attracted to the food that campers tend to bring with them. The weather can play a large role in how to plan for camping, as rains can bring potential flooding and wash away campsites.”

Thibodeaux offered advice on how to counteract these threats.

“To help curtail wildlife from being attracted to campsites, campers should place food items in secure containers and store them away from the main campsite,” he said. “Always check the weather forecasts prior to camping and never go camping in severe weather.”

A first aid kit for unexpected injuries is a necessity for camping trips, Thibodeaux said.

“Emergency services may have a difficult time reaching campsites if they have to respond to any emergency,” he said.

“It is also important to let someone who will not be with you know where you will be camping and the duration of your trip in the event you need to be reached or if you experience an unexpected emergency.”