5/10/2010 - Eight Simple Tips to Avoid the Emergency Room

Adventist Health Urges Area Residents to Be Mindful of Summer Dangers

Portland, Ore. -- Adventist Medical Center (AMC), a Southeast Portland, Ore., hospital serving the Greater Portland and Vancouver, Wash., metropolitan area, has surveyed its physicians to find the top eight ways to avoid common warm weather health risks that drive emergency department traffic:

1. Be Smart in the Sun -- Sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher should be used to protect your skin from sunburns. Hats, sunglasses and lightweight long-sleeved shirts or long pants also offer excellent protection on sunny days.



2. Wear a Life Jacket -- About 3,600 people accidentally drown to death every year in the U.S. Drowning is also the second leading cause of injury-related deaths among children 1-14 years of age.



3. Bike Wisely -- Wearing a helmet is critical to biking safety, yet cyclists are still killed each year wearing their helmets. When you jump on your bike, don’t forget road safety rules. Also, wear bright clothing and install a light on your bike to be more visible.



4. Hydrate -- Drink lots of water or electrolyte drinks before and during exercise. Take frequent water breaks, and encourage children to hydrate even if they don’t feel thirsty.



5. Protect the Playground -- Wood chips, mulch or safety mats should extend six feet around the edges of playgrounds. Do not attach extra ropes or wires to your equipment, as they can result in strangling injuries.



6. Beware of Bugs -- Use insect repellents with DEET, and make sure to read the instructions. Remember, insect repellents are not recommended for children under two months of age.



7. Skate and Scoot Safely -- Make sure you wear a helmet, wrist guards and other safety gear. Never skate or scoot in traffic or on the street.



8. Grill Outdoors -- Never bring charcoal grills indoors, as burning charcoal produces deadly carbon monoxide gas.

“As the weather gets warmer, it’s a great time to enjoy all the wonderful outdoor activities that are readily available as a Pacific Northwest resident, yet it’s important to play it safe,” said Dr. Kelli Westcott, vice-chair of emergency services for Adventist Health. “Summer fun can turn downright deadly without proper respect for one’s surroundings or by following common safety rules. This year, keep everyone safe, and the fun going, by avoiding unnecessary risks.”

About Adventist Medical Center (AMC)

Adventist Medical Center (AMC), located in southeast Portland, is a nonprofit, 302-bed acute care facility, offering a full range of inpatient, outpatient and emergency services throughout the Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area. AMC is a member of Adventist Health, headquartered in Roseville, Calif. The organization represents regional delivery networks spanning California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington.

Adventist Medical Center is part of Adventist Health, a not-for-profit, faith-based health care system operating in California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. Founded on the Seventh-day Adventist heritage of Christian health care, Adventist Health is comprised of 17 hospitals with more than 2,600 beds, approximately 18,600 employees, numerous clinics and outpatient facilities, the largest system of rural health clinics in California with additional sites in Oregon and Washington, 14 home care agencies and four joint-venture retirement centers. For more information, visit www.adventisthealthnw.com or www.adventisthealth.org.

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