Most of us in Hawaii are aware of the risks related to outdoor activities. We know to protect our skin with sunscreen and to avoid strong ocean currents or steep hiking trails if it’s beyond our physical ability and experience. However, the summertime heat and the high number of mountain and ocean rescues make this a good time to remember an important factor when choosing your outdoor fun: the health and fitness status of everyone joining your activity. Take the time to consider the physical needs and limits of your group and the challenges certain activities present. If you have friends or family who are new to Hawaii or visiting for the first time, encourage them to review the following safety resources, which are helpful for locals and visitors alike.
Health checkups matter
Physical activity is crucial for a healthy lifestyle, and choosing the right activity, time, and place makes a difference in how much it helps or risks your good health. Some activities seem easy since we’ve been doing them most of our lives. Beach? No problem. An easy hike? Done. We sometimes forget, though, how other issues can affect us and the people with us. Things like extreme heat, a change in health status, or a rainy day on an unfamiliar trail can cause problems.
A good place to start is with regular wellness visits with your doctor. Encourage your family and friends to keep up with doctor visits and ensure your kids get these too. These appointments make sure your health is OK and that prevention screenings are up to date. You can even ask what types of activities might work well for you based on your current health. If you have a chronic health condition, like diabetes or asthma, work with your doctor so you can feel as good as possible and safely do the things you love.
Once in the clear with your doctor, choose activities that fit the ability and experience for everyone in the group. It’s best to ensure everyone understands the risks involved so they can decide if the activity is right for them. Here are some things to keep in mind and resources that can provide specific details about risks to consider.
Make sure everyone stays hydrated, especially on hot days.
Heat-related illness
While everyone is vulnerable to extreme heat, older people and young children might need shadier areas at the beach, more breaks during a hike, or reminders to hydrate properly. To ensure proper hydration, understand special considerations when exercising and for older adults and children.
Take a few minutes to understand how to prevent and recognize heat-related illness. Be aware that the heat doesn’t necessarily have to be extreme to affect you. Your risk increases in situations where you’re exerting a lot of energy, like hiking, or in humid conditions. Certain medications can also make you more vulnerable, so check with your doctor.
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Read the warning signs and talk to the lifeguard to ensure you can handle current conditions.
Ocean safety
The Hawaii Ocean Safety website has excellent information about understanding your limits while enjoying ocean activities. Share it with family and friends, especially if they are visiting Hawaii, to ensure they understand how swimming in the ocean differs from lakes and pools. OceanSafety.hawaii.gov also has tips about how to pick a beach that’s right for you and how to stay safe while there. This includes choosing a beach with lifeguards and paying attention to warning signs. You can check current beach conditions at the state’s Safe Beach Day website.
With its steep climb, the Diamond Head hike is known for having a high number of rescues.
Hiking safety
Most hiking trails can be challenging if the conditions aren’t good. Heavy rain and hot and humid temperatures can make walking or climbing long distances difficult, especially if you aren’t used to that level of physical activity. Always check the weather in the area before you go and be realistic about your fitness level and experience. Choose a trail that fits everyone’s ability and stay on the trail. You can learn more about Hawaii’s hiking trails through the Na Ala Hele Trail and Access Program. The Honolulu Fire Department has helpful information that includes supplies to take, safety tips, and what to do in case of an emergency. Oahu Search and Rescue also has information on how to prepare and hike safely and what supplies to take.
Keep young children and older adults safe with lots of sunscreen and extra hydration breaks.
Protect your skin
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S., and the proper use of sunscreen cannot be emphasized enough. The American Academy of Dermatology has great advice about how to protect your skin in the sun. Be sure to use sunscreen that is safe for coral reefs. Learn more at the National Park Services Protect Yourself, Protect the Reef.
Finally, to ensure you can keep doing the activities you love as you get older, exercise regularly to maintain your strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility.
Photos courtesy Wyatt Kapono Lakey
