Mental and Behavioral Health

Avoiding the Worst Injuries and Illnesses Associated with Winter

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We often become sick from a flue or are at the risk of hurting ourselves in the winter time from of all the hazards that surround us during the season. It is important to try to stay indoors most of the time to avoid catching a cold, but whenever it is time to step outside in the winter, you do not want to risk slipping and falling on the ice. Therefore, you should pour salt on the porch steps, as well as other places that people will be walking through, to stop the ice from freezing over into a slippery substance. 
 
Other injuries that could occur in the winter time are sporting accidents. For those who go skiing or snowboarding, they can easily run into a tree stump or fall sideways without being able to move their feet. You may want to ski on a slope that is less steep, but since it is always fun to risk the challenge by going on a deeper hill, it may be better to gradually work your way up to skiing more naturally on a smoother course. 
 
Some people prefer to go ice skating at a rink where it is always dangerous to fall and injure something. Before you do go out on the ice skating rink, you should start safely by skating near the edge of the rink and then to eventually work your way to the center once you are comfortable skating at a faster speed. Ice skating is a fun activity that most people enjoy, but not everybody is good at it. Those who are young and good at skating may want to try playing some ice hockey with friends on the street and, if they seem to play very well at it, should think about playing on a team someday, which might require you to risk a physical injury if you continue the sport.  
 
Outside of sports and recreational activities is the risk of becoming ill by being around others who are infected with a sickness, such as a flue or virus. That is why you should always cover your mouth when you cough and wash your hands more often, especially if you are about to eat. If you do manage to catch an illness, you should try to stay warm, eat the right foods, and drink the right liquids that carry enough vitamins in them, including orange juice and serials containing oats and wheat. Depending on where you work or what environment you’re at, you should always try to stay clean by staying away from contaminated materials, whether you work at a restaurant or a hospital. Since some employees have to take care of bacteria that builds up in certain areas, they should be cautious by wearing a mask or gloves to prevent catching a severe case of illness. 

Avoiding the Worst Injuries and Illnesses Associated with Summer

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Summer. It is the holiday that every student looks forward to once they get into school in September. As parents, it is the period we always wait for, the opportunity to relax, enjoy new experiences, and have fun moments with the children.  

Most days in the summer are hot and sunny. Thus, most activities during the day include bike riding, skateboarding, and rollerblading. During the evenings, families enjoy backyard barbeques, swimming, relaxing on the beach, and spectacular fireworks display. Nevertheless, all these activities come with dangers. We ought to be mindful of these dangers to protect our dear ones. Below are some guidelines on how to do so and what to do in case of an accident. 

The rainy days and cold air of April and May are preceded by the hot and sunny days of summer. Crowds of people relish these hot days. The sun can, however, be disastrous to young children. It is likely most you have woken up with sunburn and warned yourself for not taking appropriate precautions. Avoiding the sun during the middle of the day is the best protection against sunburn. Staying in the shade, preferably an umbrella, will always help. 

Nevertheless, sunburn can still occur when there are clouds when harmful UV rays penetrate the clouds. Applying a suntan lotion SPF will prevent sunburn. Additionally, rash guards and hats can also be used, although they cannot replace suntan lotion. Children under six months should be kept away from direct sunlight. 

Biking and skateboarding also pose another risk. During summer days, children become riding fanatics. Fitting helmets should be used to protect the children’s heads irrespective of the distance they are riding. While rollerblading or skateboarding, elbow guards and knee guards are advised. Wearing the proper safety equipment will prevent fractures and head injuries during the summer. 

Everyone loves a freshly grilled hotdog. However, barbeques pose a high risk to children. Always ensure that small children are not in the vicinity of the barbeque. After cooking, use water or a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. Additionally, carefully assemble the grills to keep them sturdy and avoid easily knocking them over. Metal bristles from brushes can be ingested and cause internal injuries. Thus, use other alternative methods of cleaning the grills.  

There is nothing more refreshing than watching your children having fun by the pool. However, never let your children swim unattended. Additionally, never let them out of sight while swimming. It takes a split of a second for an accident to occur. Thus, those responsible for watching over your children should not be distracted. Life jackets should be worn by children who cannot swim. Backyard pools should be fenced with more than 4-feet high fences and a locked doorway. 

Summer is the best time for children to have fun. Thus, as parents, we should not only let them enjoy the summer but also do it safely.