An A to Z of summer safety

By KATHERINE HOBY

Most New Zealanders head to their outdoor playground in summer.

Unfortunately some things can spoil a day in the sun. Here is a common sense A to Z of summer safety:

A Alcohol. Two of summer's frequent guest-stars, waterways and alcohol, do not mix well - 20 people drown each year after drinking alcohol. It impairs abilities and slows reaction times.

B Bee or wasp stings. Seek medical attention or take medication right away. Otherwise, remove the sting by scooping it out with a fingernail. Do not squeeze the area around the sting. Bathe and apply ice to reduce the swelling as required.

C Cuts. Cleanse with soap and warm water, then apply direct pressure until bleeding stops. Put a sterile bandage on the wound, and see a doctor if the cut is deep.

D Drownings. Children can drown in just 4cm of water. Use common sense at beaches: swim between the flags, swim at a patrolled beach, and do not swim alone. Adult supervision of children in water is crucial. Teach them to enjoy but respect water.

E Energy. Keep energy up this summer: drink lots of water or fruit juice, do gentle exercise in cool parts of the day and get plenty of sleep.

F Food safety. More than 100,000 cases of food poisoning are reported in New Zealand every year. When handling food wash hands thoroughly and ensure all surfaces are clean. Store cooked and raw meats separately. Keeping the refrigerator at a temperature of below 5 degrees.

G Gas barbecue. Have your gas bottle checked, do not let children play with it, and always ensure it is turned off after use.

H Hangover. In a relaxed, holiday frame of mind you may tend to drink more. Time is said to be the only cure for a hangover but most doctors recommend painkillers and lots of water to cope with the dehydration. Vitamin C thought to help clear alcohol from the system.

I Inflatable toys. Surf Lifesaving NZ reports many problems with rips sweeping children out to sea on inflatable toys. Kids should have appropriate gear to use with the toys and boogie boards. Boards should have a leash. Fins should be used with all toys.

J Jellyfish. Numbers of jellyfish and bluebottles came to Bay of Plenty shores just before Christmas. If stung do not attempt to pull the creatures off. Wash the stingers off in cold water and apply vinegar. Apply cold packs if painful. See a doctor or lifeguard if necessary.

K Kiss of life, otherwise known as CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It can prove useful, and in some cases can be a lifesaver, to know first-aid skills. To find out more, call the St John Ambulance service on 0800-FIRST AID (0800-347-78243) to find out more.

L Lavender oil rubbed into the temples might prevent a headache coming on.

M Motion sickness. Those prone to it should consider taking medication before the trip. Ginger is a popular herbal treatment and can be taken in a tea or tablet form.

N Nutrition. Eat a balanced diet over summer. Keep alcohol intake to a moderate level.

O Overheating or heat stress. Children can easily overheat and should not be left unattended in a car on a hot day.

P Swimming pools must all be fenced by law. Always supervise swimmers.

Q Quitline. Time to follow through with that New Year's Resolution! Quitline is a free confidential service for those wanting to give up smoking. Call free on 0800-778-778.

R Rockfishing. Do not go alone. Keep a constant focus on wave patterns. Never turn your back on the sea.

S Sunburn - slip, slop, slap. But if you do get burned wear loose clothing, drink plenty of water, apply aftersun lotions.

T Tetanus. Caused by bacteria usually found in the soil. Always dress cuts, abrasions and punctures properly. Better to have a tetanus jab and feel reassured.

U Ultraviolet radiation. The sun has two types of UV radiation, both of which damage the skin. Stay in the shade from 11 am to 3 pm. If in doubt take a look at your shadow. If it is shorter than your height, stay under cover.

V Venereal disease. People on holiday tend to loosen up and sometimes do things they would not normally do. If you are on the lookout for some summer lovin', make sure you practise safe sex.

W Weather. Always check a long-range forecast before boating. Take all the appropriate equipment, and tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. Keep knowledge up to date. Call Coastguard Boating Education Services on 0800 408-090 to stay informed.

X X-ray. Here's hoping you do not have to visit this department. No running by the pool.

Y Yellow fever is a viral disease which is found in Africa and South America and transmitted by mosquito bite. Check with a doctor which vaccinations you will need if you are going abroad.

Z zzzz. Catch those zeds. Make sure to get plenty of rest during your holiday and on your weekends off.