Earlier this year, ETSU researchers had predicted a summer scorcher.

Summer is most certainly here, and with it comes high heat, prolonged sun exposure and potentially risky outdoor activities. 

You may find yourself asking, “How can I be safer and healthier this summer?” East Tennessee State University’s Dr. Randy Wykoff, dean of the ETSU College of Public Health, has an easy answer for anyone asking that question: SHADE. 

SHADE breaks down to: 

  • Sun avoidance
  • Highway and driving safety

  • Arthropod (Insect) precautions

  • Drowning prevention 

  • Environmental caution 


“My advice to stay safe this summer is to stay in the SHADE,” said Wykoff. “While much of this advice is likely things people have heard before, it is important to recognize and understand the risks associated with summer to ensure you and those you care about can have a safe, enjoyable season.” 

Wykoff, through his weekly “Bare Bones Approach to Better Health” podcast, tackled summer safety in a recent episode in which he briefly touches on each aspect of SHADE. Last year, Wykoff’s “Bare Bones Approach to Better Health” did a five-part series on summer safety. 

“When you are out and having fun, it can be easy to let your guard down – particularly when it comes to heat and sun safety,” said Wykoff. “But with temperatures regularly nearing or surpassing 90-degrees Fahrenheit in our region, it underscores the importance of ensuring you and your family are taking proper precautions to be safe.”   

ETSU Health physicians have also shared advice on staying safe in the heat with a webpage going over risk factors, tips to stay safe and what to do if you recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in yourself or others. 

Earlier this year, ETSU researchers had predicted a summer scorcher. 

"If you start to feel lightheaded, nauseous, confused, you start cramping or you are getting weak, let your coach or supervisor know right away," said Dr. Mark Brummel, a board-certified physician with ETSU Health Family Medicine Kingsport. "Pushing through is not healthy, as your body is telling you to take a break. If you see someone else struggling, ask them how they are doing. If they continue to struggle, you should let your coach or supervisor know."

The “Bare Bones Approach to Better Health” airs weekly on Friday’s at 8:42 a.m. on WETS-FM 89.5, a local public radio station and National Public Radio affiliate. To learn more, visit www.etsu.edu/cph/ph_update.php. 

East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.

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