Summertime is a great time of the year in Colorado because there are so many things to do and to enjoy, but it is important to stay safe. Here are five simple ways to protect yourself this summer.

Whether you are going on a long road trip over the Colorado mountains, or just down the road, there are factors that put our health and lives at risk. We can't control everything that happens to us, but there are plenty of things we can do to protect ourselves and to make the summer as enjoyable as possible.

 

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    WEAR SUNSCREEN

    Be sure to wear sunscreen for all of your outdoor Colorado activities. Sunscreen isn't just for the water. Fishing, hiking, biking, golfing, gardening, Country Jam - all involve exposure to the sun and its harmful rays. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and one person dies from melanoma every hour. Don't be one of them! The SPF of your sunscreen needs to be at least 30. Don't leave it all up to the sunscreen. Limit your exposure to direct sunlight as much as possible.

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    USE INSECT REPELLANT

    The mosquito season is already in bloom in Colorado and these pesky rascals are out there waiting for you. Not only are mosquito bites annoying, they can be extremely bad for your health. We can tolerate a little itching, but West Nile Virus and the Zika Virus are two good reasons to be sure you have plenty of insect repellant on hand for your outdoor activities. For those heading into the woods, you'll also want the protection from nasty ticks.

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    DON'T MIX WATER AND ALCOHOL

    Whether it is swimming in the water, or going out on the water in a boat it is never a good idea to mix alcohol with the activity. That is just a tragedy waiting to happen. Reflexes can be slowed, judgment can be clouded, and your very life could be at risk. According to the CDC, 70% of deaths associated with water recreation involved the use of alcohol.

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    BUCKLE UP

    Highway traffic is especially high on the weekend, and the chance for accidents is greatly increased. It is imperative that everyone wears a seatbelt. According to AAA, 33,000 people are killed in car accidents every year, and in 2014, seat belts saved more than 12,000 lives. You think it's never going to happen to you, but all of those 33,000 people each year thought the very same thing.

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    DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE

    We have heard it thousands of times, but the message apparently is not being heard. In 2014, the CDC says nearly10,000 people died in alcohol-related crashes. That accounts for almost one-third of all traffic fatalities. Not only is it your life that is at risk, it is the lives of your family, your spouse,  your kids, someone else's kids, and someone else's spouse. Drink responsibly - and don't take chances. If you are even slightly impaired - don't do it. It is not worth the risk.

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