Six ways to stay safe this Labor Day weekend

The final stretch of summer is here, and so is the last holiday weekend to celebrate. Labor Day weekend is our chance to enjoy some of our favorite summer activities before the season ends. Still, it's also another weekend that can lead to injuries and illnesses that could land you or a loved one in an ER or urgent care center.

Have fun with family and friends by staying safe this holiday weekend with these tips to help avoid the urgent care center or the ER.

1. Grill safely

Food is always the center of holiday gatherings, and ending the last days of summer on the grill is a tradition. However, even a master griller can get distracted by the activities happening around them and accidentally mishandle food or the grill, which can lead to illnesses and injuries like food poisoning or burns.

To make sure your guests don't contract food poisoning, thoroughly clean the grill before using it. Keep meat and sides such as potato salad or pasta salads refrigerated before serving. Also, cook meats thoroughly and  avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat separate from other foods and using clean utensils and plates.

When you're grilling, keep children and pets away and never leave an active grill unattended. Ask a family member or friend to be your grill assistant to take food inside and out, or even bring you a cool drink of water. Make sure the grill is away from structures or flammable materials.

2. Keep hydrated and cool

When you're having fun, you may forget how hot it is outside. Still, high temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses, especially in children, older adults and those with chronic health conditions. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include fatigue, dizziness, headaches and nausea. 

Make sure to take breaks during your Labor Day activities to drink water and cool off. Try to stay in a shaded area to avoid sunburns, and wear sunscreen. 

3. Be mindful of alcohol consumption

When consuming alcohol, keep in mind the high temperature, the activities you plan to participate in and whether you have a ride home. Accidents and dehydration are just two ways you can end up in emergency or urgent care during the holiday weekend.

Alcohol impairs coordination and judgment. Avoid drinking if you're operating a grill, driving a boat, playing a sport or supervising kids in the pool.

4. Stay safe near or in water

Whether you're at the pool, lake or beach, water-related injuries are common ways to injure yourself, and they're often preventable.

Ways you can keep yourself and your family safe near water are to know the weather and water conditions before getting in. Never swim alone, and if children are around, always stay close to supervise. Wear life jackets while doing water activities to keep everyone safe.

5. Road trip safety

Holiday travel leads to more cars on the road and more chances for accidents. When traveling, never drive impaired, drowsy or distracted. Pull over if you need to rest or handle a crying baby in the back. Make sure everyone is wearing a seat belt and child car seats are installed correctly. While on the road, carry a basic first aid kit and any medications you may need, and always have water.

6. Know where to get emergency or urgent care

Being careful and prepared this holiday weekend is great, but accidents can still happen. That’s why it’s important to know ahead of time where to go for care. For minor injuries and illnesses like sprains, minor burns, food poisoning, or dehydration, urgent care is often the right choice, especially when your doctor’s office is closed. Ascension urgent care centers offer treatment for non-life threatening conditions quickly and conveniently. 

For more serious concerns, like chest pain, breathing difficulties, signs of stroke, or serious injuries, emergency care is the appropriate place to go. In these cases don’t wait. Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest Ascension ER.
Knowing the difference between urgent care and emergency care can save you time and ensure you get the right level of care when it matters most.