5 Fundamental Safety Tips to Protect Yourself This Spring

1. Spring Allergy Safety Tips to Reduce Symptoms 

Allergies from pollen affects up to 60 million people annually in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Allergies from hay fever can mimic cold-like symptoms. The Cleveland Clinic lists common symptoms of hay fever to include: 

• Sneezing, congestion and runny nose.   
• Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down your throat).  
• Sinus pressure, headaches and dark circles under your eyes.  
• Tiredness.
• Itchy nose, throat and eyes. 
• Red or watery eyes. 

Those prone to seasonal allergies should take extra precautions, like limiting time outdoors or keeping doors and windows closed when pollen counts are high. Some may need help alleviating symptoms with allergy medications. MedMutual Protect members can use SimpliCare for prescription savings on generic and name-brand drugs as well as online tools to help locate participating pharmacies and compare current drug prices to ensure they’re receiving the greatest value.    

2. Dental Safety Tips to Protect Your Oral Health 

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your house – it’s for your mouth, too! And with more than 80% of people having at least one cavity by age 34, it’s crucial to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Consider the following oral hygiene tips: 

• Practice good oral hygiene: Brush teeth at least twice a day and floss once daily to remove plaque buildup. Brush your tongue with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper to remove bacteria. Switch your toothbrush every three months to get rid of any lingering germs, especially around cold and flu season or if you’ve recently been sick. If you wear dentures, clean them daily to avoid fungal infections. 
• Visit your dentist: Regular checkups can catch health issues early before they become serious and require extensive and expensive treatment. Schedule two cleanings a year.
• Nutrition is key: Avoid food and drinks with added sugar as they contribute to oral and other chronic diseases. 
• Prevent dry mouth: Some medications can cause this condition, so discussing alternative options with your doctor can help. Drink plenty of water, chew sugarless gum and avoid drinking alcohol and using tobacco products. 
• Protect your mouth: Wear a mouthguard when participating in contact sports or high-risk activities. If you grind your teeth while sleeping, consider a night guard to prevent damage. 

Dental health links directly to your overall health and being proactive with the right dental coverage can help you stay ahead of small issues turning into costly ones. MedMutual Protect’s Dental Insurance features coverage for preventive, basic and major services with no restrictive networks. Benefits for preventive care, like cleanings and X-rays, have no waiting period.   

3. How to Prevent Insect Bites and Lyme Disease in Spring 

As plant life begins to flourish, insects become more active. While many are harmless, bites and stings from some can cause unpleasant allergic reactions, like: 

• Pain and swelling
• Redness or flushing 
• Hives 
• Itching 

Seek medical attention immediately if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, a rapidly spreading rash or redness, severe swelling, especially around the face or throat, muscle cramps or spasms or confusion or loss of consciousness. Other insects, like mosquitoes, fleas and ticks, can carry and spread diseases. Some ticks carry Lyme disease, which can cause serious and long-term health issues if untreated. The Ohio Department of Health reported Lyme disease cases have jumped from 37 in 2010 to almost 1,800 in 2024.  

Protect yourself from bites by wearing clothing that covers exposed skin and avoiding wooded areas with high grass or shrubbery. If you find a tick:  

• Avoid touching it with your bare hands. 
• Quickly and carefully remove it with tweezers, grabbing as close to the skin as possible until it releases. 
• Wash your hands and the bite area thoroughly with soap and warm water. 

Whether you experience emergency care or hospital stays due to Lyme disease complications or other bug bites, MedMutual Protect’s Hospital Indemnity Plus is designed with multiple benefits to relieve the stress of covering any copays and out-of-pocket expenses.    

4. How to Prevent Springtime Sprains and Strains    

While engaging in outdoor activities – gardening and yardwork, hiking, sports and exercise – can provide countless benefits, they also increase your risk of injuries, especially after months of reduced movement from winter. Sprains and strains are common from sudden body twists and turns, uneven ground or overexertion. They mainly impact your: 

• Shoulders, back or neck 
• Ankles, wrists and elbows 
• Knees or hamstrings 

For more strenuous activities like outdoor exercises, warmups and cool downs are crucial for preventing injury by preparing your body. Consider the following tips from the American Heart Association: 

• Warmups: Take five to 10 minutes to complete a warmup, or longer if you’re planning a higher intensity workout. Start your activity at a slower pace. For example, if you’re planning to jog, walk first. 
• Cool downs: If you’re running or jogging, reduce your pace to walking for five to 10 minutes. To reduce muscle cramping and stiffness, stretch your limbs, muscles and joints. Hold stretches for 10 to 30 seconds, remembering to breathe. Stretches should be strong but not painful.   

If an unexpected injury leads to a hospital visit, MedMutual Protect’s Accident Insurance has the coverage to help ease any potential financial strains, giving you the added peace of mind as you stay active this spring. 

5. How to Clean Safely This Spring

Spring cleaning is a yearly tradition to refresh your home but take care to avoid an ER trip as you wipe down surfaces and declutter. Cleaning agents are safe when used properly but can be harmful, nonetheless. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) warns that working with cleaning chemicals can cause: 

• Breathing problems, like coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath.
• Red, itchy eyes. 
• Skin rashes or skin and eye burns. 
• Sore throat. 
• Headaches or dizziness. 
• Nosebleeds. 

Store chemicals in their original bottles and always follow label instructions. Never mix products, which can create harmful or deadly gases, and ensure proper ventilation when using them. Keep products locked away from children. Also be mindful of your physical safety. Lifting or moving heavy objects while cleaning can lead to back injuries. The National Institute of Health (NIH) advises proper lifting techniques to avoid straining your body: 

1. Get close to the object to put less force on your lower back. 
2. Maintain an upright position while squatting to pick the object up. 
3. Tighten your stomach muscles to support your spine. 
4. Lift with your legs. 
5. Turn with your feet, don’t twist with your back.  

MedMutual Protect’s Hospital Indemnity Plus coverage can help soften the financial impact if a spring-cleaning injury leads to an unexpected emergency room visit, hospital stay or surgery. With flexible benefit amounts, it adds simple financial protection when everyday chores lead to unexpected medical care.