Urgent care near me Key points
- Hydrate two to three days prior to visiting a theme park to prevent heat exhaustion and dehydration.
- Use waterproof sunscreen and reapply as necessary to prevent sunburn.
- Wear closed-toe shoes and socks to prevent foot injuries and sunburn.
- Be aware of your surroundings and heed warning signs to avoid tripping and aggravating existing injuries.
- Be mindful of existing injuries or conditions. If a ride has a warning sign, heed it. Consider having a check-up before your visit to ensure no undiagnosed conditions could cause problems.
Sun Stroke and Related Dehydration Issues
The most common ailment in theme parks is heat exhaustion/dehydration. Yes, drinking plenty of water at the park is better than walking around in the hot sun without it, but the key to staying hydrated begins two to three days before you enter the park. Many people are already suffering from mild dehydration without even knowing it, add in the sun (and maybe some alcoholic beverages), and you are at severe risk.
Sunburn
No matter your skin tone, waterproof sunscreen is essential. An all-day, outdoor adventure, coupled with a few water rides or sweat, will make ordinary suntan lotion ineffective. Read the directions on the bottle and reapply as necessary. All skin exposed to the sun should receive sunscreen, this includes the tops of your feet, if you're wearing sandals or flip-flops. A hat or visor is also a good idea if you plan on prolonged exposure.
Foot Injuries
While it's tempting to wear sandals and flip-flops to a park, it's not advisable. You will be doing a lot of walking and need more support than these shoes offer. With the combination of heat from the asphalt and sweat, you're likely to develop blisters even if you've worn the shoes before. You are also at greater risk of sunburn on your feet, if they're exposed.
For best results, protect your feet with closed-toe shoes and socks. Closed-toe shoes are also safer on rides than flip-flops or sandals. As you're flying around on your favorite open-air ride, shoes can fall off injuring folks below and/or your feet can hit vegetation and branches. If you're wearing sandals or open-toed shoes, even a collision at a very low-speed could gravely injure you.
Tripping
Strollers, slower walkers, unpredicted stops...these all are potentials for accidents. Be aware of where you are. Keep an eye out for strollers. Falling on the hard asphalt walkways of theme parks can cause very serious injuries to adults.
Aggravating Existing Injuries
If a ride has the potential for aggravating an existing injury or condition, a warning placard will be posted. Take heed of these signs and avoid the ride if you suffer from any of the mentioned conditions. If you are unsure, ask a park employee or forgo the ride.
If you haven't had a check-up in the past 12 months, consider having one before taking that family vacation to a theme park. You don't want an undiagnosed medical condition, like high blood pressure, to ruin your day or worse.
Enjoying your theme park trip is about more than just being patient with the crowds. Safety should also be a primary concern. No one wants to cut the day short to tend to an injury that could've been prevented.
FAQs
How can I prevent dehydration at a theme park?
Start hydrating two to three days before your visit, and continue to drink plenty of water throughout your day at the park.
What can I do to avoid sunburn at a theme park?
Apply waterproof sunscreen to all exposed skin and reapply as directed on the bottle. Consider wearing a hat or visor for additional protection.
What type of footwear is recommended for a theme park visit?
Closed-toe shoes and socks are recommended for their support and protection against heat, blisters, and potential ride-related injuries.
How can I avoid tripping or injuring myself at a theme park?
Stay aware of your surroundings, watch out for obstacles like strollers, and heed any warning signs posted on rides.
What precautions should I take if I have a pre-existing medical condition?
If a ride has a warning sign about potential aggravation of certain conditions, avoid that ride. Consider getting a check-up if you haven't had one in the past 12 months.
How can I prevent aggravating existing injuries at a theme park?
You can prevent aggravating existing injuries at a theme park by paying attention to warning placards on rides. If a ride has the potential to aggravate an existing injury or condition, avoid it. If you're unsure, ask a park employee or skip the ride.
Should I have a medical check-up before visiting a theme park?
Yes, if you haven't had a medical check-up in the past 12 months, it's a good idea to have one before visiting a theme park. This can help ensure that an undiagnosed medical condition, like high blood pressure, doesn't ruin your day.
Why is safety important at a theme park?
Safety is important at a theme park because it helps prevent injuries that could cut your day short. Enjoying your theme park trip is about more than just being patient with the crowds, safety should also be a primary concern.
How we reviewed this article
Medically reviewed
View this article’s sources and history, and read more about Solv’s Content Mission Statement, editorial process, and editorial team.
History
Solv’s team of medical writers and experts review and update our articles when new information becomes available.
April 04 2014
Written by Solv Editorial Team
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD
Solv’s team of medical writers and experts review and update our articles when new information becomes available.
April 04 2014
Written by Solv Editorial Team
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD
