Senator Hannon Urges Residents To Protect Themselves

Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City) is advising residents of some precautions to take as we enter the summer months. "The summer is a time when many of us spend hours outdoors," said Senator Hannon. "But we need to take precautions to avoid dangerous summer hazards."

Exposure to UV-rays and the sun have both short-term and long-term effects, ranging from discomfort and pain to skin cancer and premature aging. It is important to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to help avoid skin damage. An alternative to tanning outdoors is to use topical tanning products, but to take note these products do not protect skin from the sun.

Other dangers include heat rash or exhaustion. It is important to remain hydrated and to stay in the shade as often as possible. Drinking plenty of water and Gatorade-type beverages are important to keeping yourself hydrated.

Many have allergies to plants. When gardening, it is important to wash often (up to your elbows) and to keep as much of your skin covered as possible. Take a shower immediately following working in your garden or yard.

Whenever outside, especially after gardening, yard work or walking in grassy or wooded areas, check your entire body in the mirror for tick bites. Ticks can infect a person with Lyme Disease by biting them, sucking their blood and then discharging infected blood back into their system. If you see a tick on you, carefully use tweezers to remove the tick from your body by pulling it off perpendicular to your skin. Immediately seek medical attention for any tick bites you reveal. The earlier a bite is treated, the better off you will be.

When traveling, make sure you carry a list of your medical history, any medications you are taking, and any allergies you have to medications.

In the event you require medical attention on vacation, a list like this can save time and help avoid a dangerous reaction to medicine you may be allergic to.

Hannon added, "I hope these summer tips will help you avoid some of the hazards of the season."