“They’re funny things, Accidents. You never have them till you're having them.” —Eeyore’s Gloomy Little Instruction Book Inspired by A.A. Milne

June 7, 2006
I don’t know about you, but as a kid I could hardly wait to hear the final school bell ring because you knew that two great things were about to happen; school was out for 2 1/2 glorious months and best of all, it was a sign that Summer was right around the corner! What a great feeling it was to trade in my schoolbooks, lunch box and backpack for swimming suits, baseball bats and mitts, sandals, shorts, hot dogs, popsicles, and camp paraphernalia. Soon the swimming pools would open, the ice cream man would be making the neighborhood rounds, my nights would be spent at ballparks, and the days would be spent taking part in outdoor summer activities. I lived for those carefree, lazy days of summer.

As an adult I still look forward to summer and all the wonderful activities associated with fun in the sun. Unfortunately the gusto in which many of us pursue our summer activities can be marred by accidents and injuries, many of which could have been prevented by observing few simple safety tips.

Did you know that more accidents and injuries occur during May through August than any other time of the year? It is no wonder that the month of June is designated as National Safety Month (http://www.nsc.org/nsm/), as it serves as a reminder of the potential for accidents and injuries, and offers a chance to review the ways to keep ourselves and those we love safe from injuries.

There is no shortage of safety information (see resources at the conclusion of this article) so in keeping with the ‘summer theme’ I have selected a few summer safety topics that will we cover throughout the month of June.

The first topic is Medications and Healthy Traveling. Most people with lung diseases take various medications on a daily basis and any disruption in the medication routine can cause a multitude of health problems. Planning for your medications should be top on your list of things to do before you travel, whether it be for a day outing or week long travel

Medications and Healthy Traveling

The Transportation Security Administration Guidelines for Carrying Medications and Medical Equipment while Flying

Traveling with Diabetes

Learn about accidents and injuries in the USA. You never know when one of these factoids will help you to win a game of Trivial Pursuit!

Injury and Accident Factoids

"Sure is hot today!" becomes one the most common sayings during the summer months, but  what would summer be without increased temperatures?  No refreshing dips in the pools and lakes to cool off, no satisfying feelings of the thirst-quenching summertime drinks such as lemonade, Kool-Aid, iced tea,  and what about the treat of going to the ice cold movie theaters or malls? Most of us weather, so to speak, the heat of summer  but the heat can become deadly, particularly for the young, chronically ill or older adult. The information contained in the two sources below give you tips to help you to prevent a heat-related illness and  first aid tips for someone suffering a heat-related illness.

Hot Weather is Deadly Weather

First Aid for Heat Related Illnesses