Page 9 - Christiana Care Focus June July 2018

“Just because a child knows how to swim does not mean that they’re still not at risk for drowning.”
Amanda Kay, M.D., MPH, FAAP
Be ready when the trail beckons
1. First aid kit.
Include your own personal medication and something to stop bleeding.
2. Emergency shelter.
Carry a large trash bag so you can cut a hole in and hunker down.
3. Compass and map.
These tools won’t leave your navigation dependent on
a cellular signal.
The biggest risk is not taking any.
All these risks of summer might seem like a good reason to stay where the air conditioning is. After all, you don’t need sunscreen on the couch. But despite these potential pitfalls, the more common health problem is inactivity, Dr. Kay said.
“It’s that transition period of getting into shape and understanding what your body can do that’s important,” she said. “Sometimes, it can feel overwhelming, but it’s a balance, and understanding the benefit of activity in the long-term can lead to change.” In other words, don’t move too fast, but don’t let uncertainty hold you back from making the most of your summer. 
From her many years of experience in emergency medicine and wilderness medicine, Laskowski-Jones knows that outdoor safety is often about being ready for the improbable — or even the incredible. A hike in calm weather can unexpectedly turn perilous for you or someone else.
“You could encounter someone who needs help, or be caught in a cold rainstorm or even a snowstorm in the mountains when you’re in shorts and a T-shirt,” she said.
Staying warm and dry is often a matter of clothing. “The adage is ‘cotton kills,’ because it doesn’t dry out,” she said. Synthetic fabrics are usually superior in this area.
Hiking and outdoor adventure: 10 safety essentials
4. Extra clothing.
Even a hat can help.
5. Extra water.
Drink only tap water, or if drinking from streams or other unprotected sources, purify it first. Sports drinks are OK for hydration; soda isn’t.
6. Extra food.
Trail mix is a good choice.
7. Tools for fire.
Waterproof matches and a lighter could come in handy.
8. Light.
A headlamp can free up your hands.
9. Sun protection.
Remember that you may need to apply sunscreen more than once a day.
10. Knife and duct tape.
These simple but versatile tools can help you in a wide variety of tasks, from first aid to whittling a walk- ing stick to repairing other gear.
| Cover Story
FOCUS • JUNE–JULY 2018 7