MY Baptist Health
Outdoor Health & Safety
In Arkansas, scenic mountain rivers, world-class fishing streams and a fantastic collection of crystal clear
lakes invite us to go outside and play in the great outdoors of the Natural State.
At BAPTIST HEALTH we want to help you and your family stay safe while enjoying outdoor fun. So, before you
hit the water or head outdoors, make sure to read our Water Safety 101,
learn about insect bite identification, and explore many other outdoor health and safety tips from BAPTIST HEALTH!
Hot Weather Health
Summertime in Arkansas often brings extreme heat and humidity. Without taking the proper precautions,
this heat can be dangerous. Read about the causes, symptoms and treatments of heat-related illnesses,
such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Even on cooler days, the sun';s rays can pose a serious threat to your skin, eyes and immune system. Read these tips for Arkansas sun safety all year round.
Free Boating Safety Information
Thanks to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, you can get free
Arkansas boating safety information
to help you stay out of harm';s way while you';re out on the water.
Beware of Hypothermia
It';s not just the back country hunter, hiker or winter fisherman who';s at risk for cold-weather problems. Anyone
who doesn';t dress warmly enough or gets overheated then chilled while outside risks developing hypothermia. Avoid
this potentially deadly condition by reading our
Cold Weather Wellness Advice.
Identifying Poisonous Snakes and Spiders in Arkansas
Although life-threatening snake and spider bites are rare in Arkansas, recognizing the harmful species that live in our state and knowing what to do if you';re bitten is an important part of outdoor health and safety.
There are six known species of poisonous snakes in Arkansas:
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Copperhead – Adult Copperheads can measure approximately two feet in length, and are typically brown in color with an “hourglass” pattern of dark bands. The head is usually box-shaped.
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Pygmy Rattlesnake – Adult Pygmy Rattlesnakes typically measure between one and two feet in length, and because of their smaller size, their rattles are too small to be heard or seen from a distance. Like the Copperhead, Pygmy Rattlesnakes have boxy heads, but are usually gray with black bands and a reddish stripe down the back.
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Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin) – These snakes have heads that are wider than their bodies, and come in colors ranging from black to olive. Younger Cottonmouths have an “hourglass” pattern on their backs, but older snakes may appear to be one solid color. Like the other snakes, the Cottonmouth has a boxy head.
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Coral Snake – This snake';s black, yellow and red bands are easily recognizable, however the Coral Snake is small and not often seen.
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Timber Rattlesnake – Large-bodied and brown with dark bands and a reddish-brown stripe down the back. These snakes have boxy heads and large rattles.
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Western Diamondback Rattlesnake – In addition to being Arkansas'; largest venomous snake, Western Diamondbacks are also the most aggressive. These snakes are characterized by their rattle and dark diamond pattern on their backs.
Read up on the symptoms and treatment of venomous Arkansas snake bites, so you';ll always know what to do in the event of a bite.
There are only two types of poisonous spiders in Arkansas, but it';s important to identify them so that you can steer clear:
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Black Widow – Only the females are harmful, and they are identified as small, black and shiny with a red hourglass-shaped mark on the abdomen. Black widows are often found in woodpiles, sheds or other dark outdoor places.
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Brown Recluse – Typically, a Brown Recluse is approximately one inch long and brown with a violin-shaped marking on its back. They like to live undisturbed in warm, dry areas such as closets or attics, and are sometimes found in clothing, bedding or furniture.
Be in the know about Arkansas spider bite symptoms and treatments in case you';re ever bitten.
Insect Bite Identification
There are many other insects out there that can bite, sting, transmit disease or cause an allergic reaction,
so insect bite identification and treatment is important, poisonous or not. Be on the lookout for these insects
and know how to administer proper care
if you';re stung or bitten.
E-newsletter Sign-up and Information Requests
Baptist Health is your source for Arkansas family health information. If we haven';t answered your question
regarding outdoor health, let us know. Fill out the online form to request information and sign up for an
informative Baptist Health e-newsletter.