School is out, vacations are booked and warm weather is right around the corner.Because we care about your health and safety, Dr. Crable, from Medical Associates of Grantsville has put together a list of tips for a safe and happy summer.
Stay hydrated– Being hydrated is essential for good health and consuming water is necessary to keep a body functioning properly. This is especially important in the summer months when our bodies require an intake of more water to counteract the effects of warmer weather and higher humidity. It is recommended to drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.To avoid dehydration be aware of the heat and temperature and modify your summer activities appropriately.
Sun Safety and Protection– It’s natural to want to get out and enjoy the sun during warm summer days, but it should also be a priority to take steps to protect your skin from the sun. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and other sources like tanning beds are the #1 cause of skin cancer.Avoid consequences of overexposure to the sun like sunburns, premature again of the skin and damage to the eyes by practicing proper sun protection.Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wearing proper clothing, a wide –brimmed hat and sunglasses and limiting direct exposure to the sun are some tips to stay sun safe.
Summer Insect Safety– The warmer temperatures of summer mean more outdoor family time, but warmer temperatures are just as appealing to insects.Most insect bites in the Garrett County area are irritating but otherwise harmless; however, some insects can transmit viruses and diseases. Ticks are also very prevalent in the area and can transmit Lyme disease, which can be treated if recognized early. To prevent bugs from biting avoid perfumes and scented soaps that can attract some insects, stay away from stagnant water and heavily wooded areas, dress appropriately if you plan to be in a wooded or grassy areas, and be conscious of the DEET concentrations that are used in insect repellants.
Outdoor Activity Safety– Children love playing outside in the summer time and the Garrett Region offers unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation. At the playground make sure that all equipment has been carefully maintained, that children can’t reach any moving parts that may pinch or trap them and always supervise children on playground equipment.To ensure bicycle safety a helmet should be worn at all times and should fit properly and be securely fastened.
Finally, it’s recommended to always keep a first aid kit handy.For a list of first aid kit contents from the American Red Cross, please visit www.redcross.org.
And for those problems the first aid kit can’t handle, Dr. Crable and the staff at Medical Associates of Grantsville Urgent Care are able to provide excellent, patient-centered care at the state-of-the-art urgent care center seven days a week. The office can be reached at 301-895-8750, or visit us at 32 Corporate Drive, Grantsville, MD. Walk-ins are welcome.
1. Ride the Mountain Coaster at the Wisp! Consisting of a 1,300 foot uphill track, the coaster allows one to experience the panoramic views of Western Maryland while having the time of their life!
2. Spend the evenings at Smiley’s Fun Zone playing mini golf, laser tag, goat carting and more!
3. Kick off your vacation with a drink at the iconic Honi Honi Bar! Located right next to Uno’s, the Honi Honi is the perfect place to grab a crisp, cold beer and watch your kids play on the back lawn. The pirate ship playground and the large gray elephant statue located in the back yard have become a Deep Creek favorite!
4. Grab an ice cream from the Lakeside Creamery. Located along Garrett Highway (right next to the lake), it’s easy to get to and delicious!
5. Spend an afternoon checking out Adventure Sports Center International. They offer an artificial whitewater rafting course that spans over 1/3 mile. This course offers I-IV whitewater rafting in a controlled environment. If you’ve mastered the artificial course, you may be ready for Garrett County’s own whitewater course: the Upper Yough (Class IV-V). ASCI also offers guided hikes and geocaching.
6. Go hiking at Swallow Falls. Who said Deep Creek Lake is the only attraction in Garrett County? Located near Oakland, Swallow Falls is a beautiful state park with bubbling falls. It is perfect for a morning hike or afternoon picnic.
7. Enjoy live music and a yummy meal at Black Bear Tavern! Located in McHenry, the restaurant and bar have become a local favorite.
8. Do some shopping! Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County offer a very unique shopping experience. From Schoolhouse Earth to Sacred Ground South West Jewelry to Englander’s Antique Mall, our local residents provide you with unique pieces to take home or to decorate your lake house.
9. Head over to Mountain State Brewing Company for a locally brewed beer and a slice of Fire on the Mountain pizza!
10. Finally, RELAX! Deep Creek Lake is all about letting go and having a great time. You can do a million different things but the most important is to enjoy where you are and live easy!
