By St. Luke’s Wood River
Here are a few tips from providers at St. Luke’s Wood River to help enjoy our short and sweet summer season:
Helmets: Wear them! A proper-fitting helmet can prevent head and neck injuries. Even if you are just going for an easy ride on the path or across the street, wear a helmet consistently and correctly.
Water safety: When it’s hot, swimming or taking a dip can be a great way to cool off and to exercise. Before heading to the pool or the lake, here’s a few safety reminders:
If boating, make sure everyone has a life jacket.
• It was a chilly winter and spring so the water temperature may be much colder than expected and a wetsuit may be needed. The first descent into any body of water should be feet first. Check water depth and temperature and look for underwater hazards.
• Stay in designated areas. At public beaches, swim only in areas set aside for swimming. Pay attention to posted warnings about unsafe swimming conditions. Don’t allow children to swim in drainage ditches or other water-filled areas not intended for swimming.
At the pool, be sure to watch for slippery surfaces. Never leave children unsupervised near a pool, hot tub or natural body of water. Ensure proper supervision! During gatherings, adults who know how to swim can take turns being the “designated watcher,” who isn’t distracted.
Foot Care: Wearing proper footwear for the activity you are enjoying can help prevent ankle and other injuries. Having ankle support and wearing the correct size shoe and sock thickness can make or break (literally!) your experience.
Cracked heels, or fissures, can be annoying but can occasionally lead to infection and more serious problems, if left untreated. Give your feet a little extra attention, beginning with moisturizing them at least twice a day. Look for thick moisturizers (Eucerin, Cetaphil, others).
Give your heels extra attention before going to bed: Soak your feet for about 10 minutes in plain or soapy water and pat dry. Then gently rub your heels with a loofah or foot scrubber to help remove dead skin. Apply a heavier, oil-based cream or petroleum jelly, then slip on a pair of thin cotton socks at bedtime to help the moisturizer work.
If self-care measures don’t help, talk with your doctor about other treatment options.
If you need help finding a doctor, call St. Luke’s Center for Community Health at (208) 727-8733 or visit stlukesonline.org.
It’s your life.
We help you live it.