Stay on Top of These 5 Major Safety Issues This Summer

This summer, protect yourself and those you love from injuries, stress and unnecessary health concerns. Stay on top of these five key safety issues.

Injuries are a leading cause of disability for people of all ages — and they are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1 to 44. The good news is everyone can get involved to help prevent injuries.

#1 – Safety on the Road

Doing other activities while driving — like texting or eating — distracts you and increases your chance of crashing. Almost 1 in 5 crashes (17%) that injured someone involved distracted driving.

#2 – Slips, trips, and falls

One in 3 older adults falls each year. Many falls lead to broken bones and other health problems. The shoes we wear can play a big part in preventing falls. Shoelaces need to be tied correctly to prevent tripping.

#3 – Back safety

Back injuries are the most common type of workplace injury. Many of these injuries can be avoided.  If work isn’t done safely, it can put a lot of wear and tear on your body. Bend at your knees, not at your waist when lifting objects. Test the object first, if it is too heavy, get help. Keep your back straight when you sit and stand.

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Injuries aren’t the only safety issues to be concerned about. Overall wellness, including mental and physical health, are just as important to your safety.

#4 – Chronic stress

Stress can help protect you in a dangerous situation. But preventing and managing chronic (ongoing) stress can help lower your risk for serious health problems like heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and depression.

Ways to help manage stress:

• Noticing when you feel stressed and take time to relax
• Get active and eating healthy
• Talk to friends and family
• Plan ahead to avoid last minute stress
• When there are multiple things on your to-do list, decide which tasks need to be done first
• Prepare for stressful events

Read more articles about stress management from Mercy Concern’s Michele Morgart HERE.

#5 – Health Safety

Four key ways to be healthier this summer and throughout the year.

1. Check your blood pressure regularly. Normal level is 120/80 or below. 
2. Keep an eye on your waistline.
   • Men are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 40 inches
   • Women are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 35 inches
3. Reduce sodium in your diet. Limit sodium to 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day or less.
4. Exercise regularly. Work towards at least 30 to 60 minutes per day

Looking to still lose some weight this summer? If you live in or near Stark County, Ohio, contact Mercy Weight Management. Our team of weight-loss experts can help.