Because Oregonians get most of their sun in the liquid form, they tend to spend as much time outdoors as possible when the weather is sunny. With people out having fun, summer is also when many accidents and injuries occur, from scrapes, bruises and lacerations, to head injuries and heat stroke.

By taking precautions, such as wearing helmets on bikes, using sunscreen and keeping first aid items on hand, people can enjoy a safer summer.

Dr. Ann Jurani-Suarez, a family practice physician with The Corvallis Clinic’s Albany Family & Specialty Medicine, said being prepared is one of the best ways to stay safe, even if you’re just out for a walk in the woods.

“When you’re out for a family hike, make sure the kids wear long pants and hiking shoes with good tread,” Jurani-Suarez said.

When traveling, remember to pack prescription medications to last for the entire trip, plus a few extra. Also pack an emergency card with contact information, allergies, medical conditions, medications, insurance information and your doctor’s phone number.

Parents need to be vigilant about water safety.

“Get in the water with children or be on the lookout, even if kids are comfortable swimmers,” Jurani-Suarez said. Everyone should wear life jackets when boating, jet skiing or waterskiing.

The risk of heat stroke increases when people are in the sun for long periods of time so take care to drink enough fluids, especially when the weather is warm.

“Sometimes we aren’t aware of how long we’re outside, and heat exhaustion can sneak up on us,” Jurani-Suarez said.

People need eight glasses of water a day, and an extra glass for every 30 to 40 minutes spent outside on a hot day. Watch for symptoms of heat stroke, such as fever, chills, sweating, headaches, nausea/

vomiting, or not feeling well or acting strange. Call the doctor if you see any of these symptoms, Jurani-Suarez said.

People often hear warnings about protecting their skin, but neglect to take precautions, said Dr. Wallace Knapp, a dermatologist at The Corvallis Clinic. Since 1996, the number of cases of melanoma — a treatable, but potentially deadly form of skin cancer — has been steadily increasing in Oregon. Melanoma is one of the most deadly forms of skin cancer, because of its tendency to spread to other organs.

Genetics and exposure to sun are both factors in melanoma, said Dr. Daniel Barrett, a family practitioner with The Corvallis Clinic. “The best protection is to stay out of the sun when possible and avoid burning,” he said.

If you have to be in the sun, wear clothes that block the sun and a wide-brim hat to protect the head and neck. Not all sunscreens block both UVA rays, which cause sunburn, and UVB rays, which penetrate into the skin and cause cell damage, so it’s important to read labels carefully. SPF 15 is the minimum protection needed and dermatologists recommend higher protection.

Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going outside, and reapplied after heavy sweating or exposure to water or swimming. Cover every inch of exposed skin, including ears, and to avoid burnt lips, apply SPF 15 lip balm.

Rebecca Barrett works in the community relations department of The Corvallis Clinic.