Summer brings plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, get some vitamin D and to stay active. Follow these tips to stay healthy.
Sun Exposure
300 days of sunshine combined with high altitudes make Colorado a pretty special place to be. Sun exposure tips:
- Apply sunscreen of at least SPF 30 half an hour before heading outside.
- Wear protective clothing like sunglasses, hats and long-sleeved shirts when you're spending time out in the sun.
- Know the signs of dehydration, and always drink water.
- Invest in mosquito and other bug repellents if you'll be hiking, biking, camping or spending time in wooded areas.
- If you're exercising outdoors, try to stay in the shade, or save it for the early mornings and evenings when temperatures are lower and the sun isn't directly above you.
Bicycling
With plenty of designated lanes and trails, Boulder is the perfect place to log some miles on your bike. Safety tips for bicyclists:
- You already know that helmets greatly reduce the risk of brain injury -- wear it with pride.
- If you're riding at night, invest in reflectors for your bike (and some reflective clothing).
- Know the laws and follow them: ride with the flow of traffic, stay in your lane and use hand signals.
- When riding with friends, stay single-file.
- Bicycling is subject to the same DUI laws as driving in Colorado. So, if you've been drinking, don't go biking.
Camping
Rocky Mountain National Park is right in our backyard, and there's no better way to explore it than with a classic Colorado camping trip. Camping safety tips
- Speak with your primary care provider about any vaccinations you may want, depending on where you're camping.
- Avoid food poisoning: pack in tight, waterproof containers, keep your cooler insulated, sanitize your hands often, separate raw foods from cooked foods, and cook meats to the appropriate temperature (bring along a meat thermometer to be sure).
- Be smart about drinking water: bring along your own bottled water, or research the water treatment method that works best for you. More information on doing so can be found on the CDC website.
- Keep a first-aid kit stocked and ready to go, and review your basic health skills before leaving (like how to identify poison ivy, what to do if you see a wild animal, how to disinfect a cut, and hands-only CPR).
- Get social with the buddy system: don't hike, swim, kayak, raft or climb alone. Be sure to have someone nearby looking out in case of an emergency, and do the same for them.
