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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Essential tips for a safe and healthy Louisiana summer

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Wednesday, July 10, 2024   

The Climate Prediction Center predicts a 40% to 50% chance of above-normal temperatures in Louisiana this summer, which some people are already experiencing.

As more people take part in outdoor summer activities, experts have some safety tips.

Dr. Donna O'Shea, chief medical Officer of population health for UnitedHealthcare, suggested remembering to drink water every 15 minutes, wear helmets when biking and use sun-protective clothing and sunscreen.

"Sunscreen should be applied, reapplied throughout the day," O'Shea recommended. "At least every two hours, and immediately after swimming or toweling off, or if you've just been very active and have excess sweating."

She added many health care providers, including UnitedHealthcare, offer virtual doctor visits 24 hours a day, at no additional cost, where you can ask questions about heat-related illnesses.

Heat exhaustion with muscle cramps, paleness, and heavy sweating needs medical attention if it lasts more than an hour. But heatstroke, marked by a temperature of at least 103 degrees and no sweating, is an immediate emergency.

Dr. Ryan Bird, medical director of the emergency department at Touro Infirmary in New Orleans, reports seeing many heat exhaustion cases posing other risks for older people.

"A lot of those folks coming in are either just nearly fainting, or fainting themselves," Bird pointed out. "If you faint in a fall, trauma. So, we're seeing hip fractures, we're seeing head injuries. So, it's not even just primarily with the heat exhaustion, but the secondary issues that come with it."

Other safety reminders include never leaving children or pets in a car, even with windows down. And children should always wear life jackets when near bodies of water. Drowning is a leading cause of death in young kids. O'Shea encouraged adults to become CPR-certified and to enroll kids in swimming lessons.

"Swimming classes are a great way to learn basic swimming and water skills and reduce that risk of drowning," O'Shea noted. "But nothing substitutes for adult supervision when children are near or around the water."

Disclosure: UnitedHealthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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