Although many citizens of California will be attending fireworks displays or putting together their own private shows tomorrow, there are a great many people who would prefer a relaxing day at the beach. But even if such persons don’t have to worry about the threat of an accidental explosion or a serious burn, there are still risks that must be considered. A number of foot safety tips have been put together by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and they could help dramatically reduce the threat of an injury.
Many people who lather sunscreen on their entire bodies often miss one easily overlooked spot: the feet. And not just the top, but the soles of the foot as well. Applying sunscreen to these areas is especially important if you’re laying out in the sun for an extended period of time. Otherwise safety-conscious individuals tend to miss the bottom of the feet, and the risk of skin cancer increases when there’s no protection afforded.
When you’re not simply laying out, you should protect your feet with sandals or some other type of shoe. The sand can get rather hot if you’re up and walking around, and should you have to walk on the pavement, the risk of a burn increases even more. It’s best to wear the proper footwear to prevent pain and future blistering.
Sandals can also reduce the threat posed by the myriad types of debris typically found along California coasts. It takes a lot of work to keep a beach looking pristine, and when that upkeep lapses, the sand can hold numerous laceration threats to families hoping to simply enjoy their day.
Things to look out for include broken glass, sea shells, and numerous other types of jagged edges which can accumulate when a beachgoer neglects to clean up after themselves. Tell your children to stay away from these types of debris so that they don’t suffer a cut.
If these precautions fail and a laceration takes place anyway, the first thing you’ll want to do is remove yourself from the water. Clean the area at once with sterilization materials if they are available. If not, at least make sure to get any sand or debris away from the wound.
This is especially important for persons who are diabetic. Because it’s harder for such persons to notice when a laceration has occurred (due to the potential for numbness or low blood flow), sandals should be taken off at regular intervals to verify that no cut, even a small one, has been had.
Finally, if you’re ever at the beach and get cut, stung by a jellyfish, or you otherwise hurt your feet or any other body part, see a doctor at once if you feel the injuries could have serious ramifications.