June. The first month that officially welcomes the arrival of summer. What can one say about all those activities we can't get enough of enjoying and that we've missed so much? Long dives into dreamy seas, sunbathing for hours, nature trips, and so much more. But before we start planning this year’s vacations and the fun long weekends ahead, it's important to be aware of all those seasonal risks that could ruin our mood if we don’t prepare for them!

We love the sun, however...

Do you know what we should do to properly protect ourselves from its rays? This is a question we should ask ourselves again this summer before exposing ourselves to the high temperatures. A common feature of all Mediterranean summers – and by extension of our island too – is the unbearable heat and the humidity that pervades them.

In this warm season, we need to be especially careful about dangers like heatstroke and dehydration. We make sure to give our body the necessary amount of water (2.5 liters per day), always carrying a little bottle with us. Because of the high temperatures, doing various activities automatically becomes more demanding, so we should always look for a cool place to "recharge our batteries" before we continue.

In nature paths we watch out for...

bites that can come from insects or reptiles. The harmony someone feels when they come into contact with nature is something unique. Now, especially since the weather allows us more than ever, all those enchanting trails are inviting us to create unforgettable moments. However, this experience can take an unexpected turn if we don't take care and protect ourselves in time.   

Tall weeds and areas that are generally considered hard to access are also the ones most likely to hide animals that might attack us if they feel threatened. It's always sensible to watch where we're walking, holding a stick to check the area and 'scan' where we're going. In case of a bite, we need to be able to recognize the level of danger and how to deal with it. If we notice any numbness or swelling, that's when we need the necessary help.

Be careful when swimming…

Because no matter how much we love water, it can become dangerous. If there’s one thing that comes to mind when we hear the word 'summer,' it’s diving and swimming in crystal-clear waters. With so many unique beaches all over our island, it’s impossible to deny our love for the vastness of the sea. Equally impossible is to ignore the dangers.

People who aren't very used to water or haven't developed their swimming skills are quite likely to face the possibility of drowning. Also, a not-so-unlikely scenario is getting stung by sea creatures, like what happened a few years ago with jellyfish on the beaches of Protaras. Finally, small children often tend to play carelessly (and recklessly) around swimming pools.

All the above dangers bring us to one and only conclusion: Learning First Aid is much more than knowledge. It's a tool, always ready, capable of handling any emergency.

So, that's how this summer starts. Full of positive energy, enthusiasm, and prevention. We don't know what adventure will invite us to explore it this year either. But we do know that we'll be ready to enjoy the moment 100%, without worrying about the unexpected things that might happen. Because the resources we provide to people here at HealthCare are resources for a whole lifetime.