Summer Health Risks - Top 10 Health Risks for Summer

Ways to Keep You and Your Family Safe from Warm Weather Health Risks

For many, summer is the season of relaxation and fun. Children across the United States are freed from the responsibilities of school and adults pile into their cars and head out on vacations to get away from it all. Outdoor activities abound during this time of year but summer health risks do, too. Recognizing what they are before they happen will allow you to enjoy your summer without paying a heavy price in the process.

Health Risks for Summer 1
Automobile Accidents

The National Center for Statistics and Analysis reports that automobile accidents are the number one cause of death among children and teens in the United States. The CDC reported that in 2005, "1,335 children ages 14 years and younger died as occupants in motor vehicle crashes, and approximately 184,000 were injured." So, what do these statistics have to do with summer health risks? The answer is that these statistics tend to spike during the summer months as the highways begin to clog with motorists setting off on vacations. Furthermore, teenage drivers, free from school activities, tend to log more hours on the road. So, how can you minimize this particular summer health risk? By utilizing the same techniques you should be using every day, including, always wearing a seat belt, using defensive driving tactics and never driving while drowsy or intoxicated. Limiting teenagers' driving time can also reduce the chances of accidents.

Health Risks for Summer 2 through 5
Heat Stroke, Skin Cancer, Eye Damage and Dehydration

These four summer health risks are similar in that they all relate to spending time in the sun without adequate protection. The National Cancer Institute estimates that there will be over 1,000,000 new cases of skin cancer in 2009. With rates of skin cancer and incidents of eye damage climbing, it is more important than ever to wear protective eyewear and sun block. Aside from the physical pain caused by sun damage, these two summer health risks can greatly diminish the long-term quality of a person's life and even prove fatal.