Summer Safety & Fun: Make the Most of the Sunshine
With the brighter and warmer days of summer, enjoying campus life outside becomes much easier. Whether you grab one of our bikes for a ride, join friends for a game of frisbee, or just relax sitting under a tree, remember to stay safe. From protecting your skin to borrowing the right gear, here’s how to make the most of summer safely and smartly.
Screen Up: Sun Safety Comes First
Exposure to the sun comes with benefits like Vitamin D and challenges such as sunburn. Protecting your skin from over exposure helps keep your skin healthy and vibrant. Some tips include:
- When the UV Index is 3 or higher, cover up with light-colored, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses that protect against UVA and UVB rays
- Limit sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and seek out shaded areas
- Always use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with at least SPF 30, even on cloudy days
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of cool water before you feel thirsty
Stay informed by checking the local weather forecast and UV Index to plan your outdoor activities wisely.
Pedal Smart: Borrow a Bike, Ride with Care
Stay active and enjoy nature by borrowing one of four, daily use bicycles from Campus Well-Being. Pop by yourself or with friends to the North Gym with your ID card to check one out. Remember to always wear a helmet, use hand signals, and obey traffic laws. Be mindful of pedestrians and stick to bike lanes when possible. We’ll take care of the pre-ride check of tires, brakes, and seat height to ensure a smoother, safer ride every time.
Game On: Borrow Sports Gear for Outdoor Fun
From kicking around a soccer ball to organizing an impromptu frisbee match, outdoor games create fun opportunities to connect with others and build fitness during the summer. Need some equipment? No problem! Campus Well-Being lends out gear like soccer balls, frisbees, footballs, basketballs, volleyballs, cricket and badminton supplies from the North Gym at the Notre Dame Campus. Remember to bring your College ID card, warm up, stretch, and stay hydrated. Safe play leads to more play!
Please note: These two services remain temporarily closed due to wildfire response efforts. We’ll post an update in the member portal as soon as we resume. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Stay Cool, Stay Hydrated
During outdoor adventures, remember to stay ahead of heat exhaustion and dehydration by prioritizing water intake.
- Carry a refillable water bottle and take regular sips, even without thirst.
- Health Canada advises drinking water throughout the day, especially before, during, and after physical activities, to reduce the risk of dehydration.
- Plan high-energy activities for early morning or late afternoon, when the sun feels less intense.
- Step into shade or head indoors if dizziness, weakness, nausea or overheating begins.
- Symptoms like heavy sweating, weakness, and dizziness may indicate heat exhaustion, which can escalate to heat stroke if not addressed.
- Incorporate water-rich foods such as cucumbers, lettuce, and watermelon into your meals to boost hydration levels.
By staying proactive and paying attention to your body’s signals, you can enjoy a safe and fun summer season. Small steps keep you going strong!
May we all soak up the sunshine and share laughs with friends and family all summer long. Remember to tune in to how you feel, take care when needed, and let good vibes lead the way to safe, happy summer days.
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