Dr. Brown’s five tips to enjoy spring safely

Dr. Rebecca Brown, MD, is an emergency physician at William Osler Health System (Osler). She completed her Family Medicine residency at the University of Toronto and her Emergency Medicine Fellowship at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Brown is also the inaugural program director for the enhanced skills emergency medicine residency program at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Spring is here with warmer weather and longer days. Osler’s Dr. Rebecca Brown shares her tips on how to safely enjoy everything spring has to offer:

Be safe around water

As winter transitions into spring, warmer air temperatures, melting ice and frequent rain increase the risk of hazards near rivers, lakes and streams. Avoid or be very careful near riverbanks, shorelines and trails close to water as they may be slippery. Keep children and pets away from rivers and streams due to fast moving and cold water.

Protect yourself from ticks and other insects

With warmer temperatures and a shortened cold season in Ontario, ticks have become more common. Ticks can be carriers of Lyme disease – an inflammatory infection that spreads to humans through tick bites – and prevention is your best defense! When walking in high-grass areas, always wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants tucked into your socks, and use “DEET” or “icaridin” insect repellant. Remember to check for ticks and to put your clothes in the dryer as soon as you get home. Learn more about tick-borne diseases.

Be prepared for changing weather

Spring brings with it a variety of weather conditions ranging from sunny warm days to heavy rains, hail, winds and thunderstorms. Check the weather forecast before heading out, pack additional clothing and adjust your plans if necessary. UV exposure can still be high on overcast or cool days, so always protect your skin and use sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, or cover-up with UPF 50 sun protection clothing.

Tackle yard work safely

When doing yard work, it is important to know how to safely use your power tools and equipment, and to maintain these regularly. You can help avoid injury by inspecting your garden tools and equipment before use to make sure that they’re in good working order and safety guards are in place. Always wear protective gear when using any power tools and follow the manufacturer instructions.

Be aware of wildlife

Potential encounters with animals while outdoors are more likely in the spring when animals come out of hibernation and are looking for food and water. When hiking or enjoying the outdoors, do not approach wildlife and use caution if you see any animals. Never leave food or food waste unattended as this can attract wildlife and even lead to aggressive wildlife behaviour.