Happy Hammock Harry didn’t say much, but then he didn’t have to. His role was simply as an advisor to aid Naval Hospital
Bremerton’s Safety and Health Promotion divisions increase awareness on a number of issues for the Critical Day of Summer campaign.
“We normally put the word out about summer safety via the Plan of the Day, but Health Promotion asked us (Safety) to help
them put together several presentations to increase people’s knowledge,” said Mike Kelly, NHB Safety. “Our goal is to try and
increase everyone’s safety awareness during the 101 days of summer.”
For many Americans, the summer season commences with Memorial Day weekend and lingers until Labor Day weekend.
Those (approximately) 101 days offer numerous outdoor activities and an equal number of potential risks for anyone not
informed or prepared. Happy Hammock Harry, a simply plaster of Paris manikin, adored in summer attire, and mottled with
various styles, shapes, and severities of skin diseases, was one such presentation to both educate and have people plan in
advance when they’re out in the summer sun.
According to statistics compiled by Health Promotion, more than 90 percent of all skin cancer is caused by sun exposure.
“Melanoma is a risk and we want everyone to be aware of it,” cautioned Janet Mano, NHB Health Promotion. “We even have
guides for Parents on skin protection for their kids.”
“It’s a very good visual display,” exclaimed Debbie McVey, NHB Performance, Analysis and Evaluation, who stopped by on her
lunch break. “It’s always good to know and educate ourselves on such important topics as this. It’s great information to take
away and share with others. This information just might save our life, or the lives or others someday.”
Other presentations included bicycle helmet safety guidelines, boating safety, hydration concerns and guidelines on water
consumption before, during and after exertion in the sun or during competition in warm weather. There was a hearing
conservation booth explaining when the need for ear-plugs should be considered.  "One example that most people don’t
realize is that if a person spends two hours in a loud video-arcade, they could suffer hearing damage,” said Kelly.
As in the past, the biggest health and safety concern over the summer months remains driving. Between Memorial Day
and Labor Day weekends in 2007, 77 service members died in private automobile accidents. The most common factors
were alcohol, excessive speed and fatigue.
“This year, our fatality figure for service men and women is already in the 60s and that’s 60 too much,” Kelly noted.
“Our job is to remind our people to remember to use good decision-making in their plans in everything they do.”