Conceived by union labor movements, Labor Day is “an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers,” according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Celebrated since 1882 with parades and picnics, it marks the ceremonial end of summer, and offers a brief respite from the typical workweek to shop, travel and relax. Whether you decide to road-trip or venture no further than your own back yard, make the most of Labor Day by shutting down your screens and trying one of 23 suggestions from Country Living.
Tag: summertime fun
Never Leave Kids, Pets in the Car
Acting like miniature greenhouses, car interiors heat up fast in the #summer sun. Never leave children, elderly relatives or pets inside a hot car; all are extremely vulnerable to heatstroke and serious trauma or death can occur within minutes — even if the windows are cracked or it doesn’t seem “that” hot. Keep a bottle of cool water on hand to spritz yourself and your kids on hot summer days, The New York Times suggests, or have them run through a sprinkler or splash — fully supervised — in a pool. #SummerSafetyTips
Summer Safety Still Includes Masks
It almost goes without saying that summertime safety now includes taking precautions against #COVID-19. Mask up if you are not yet #vaccinated or immunocompromised; the Delta variant spreads more quickly and is just as deadly as the original. Fully vaccinated individuals don’t need to worry as much about mask, the Washington Post says, but if you are vaccinated and travel to an area with low vaccination rates, you might want to consider masking anyway. And again, outdoor activities tend to be safer. #SummerSafetyTips
Protect Yourself Against the Sun
If you plan to be in the sun this summer, take common-sense precautions to protect your skin against overexposure, Northwestern Medicine says. First, choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30 and UVA and UVB protection; apply it liberally to all exposed areas of the body. Then, wait 15 minutes for the sunscreen to be fully effective before exposing yourself to direct sunlight, and reapply it periodically according to the label instructions. Note that no sunscreen is truly waterproof, however. #SummerSafetyTips
Staying Safe in a Heatwave
There’s an ongoing heatwave in the West, where temperatures soared above 100°F and set new records in places that rarely see sustained temps in the 80s so early in the summer. If you happen to be in a location that’s experiencing extreme heat, be sure to drink plenty of water, People says, and wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Avoid direct sunlight or wear sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat when exposed, and limit strenuous activity to avoid heat exhaustion and heatstroke. #SummerSafetyTips