Summer Health & Safety Tips for the Entire Family

Warmer temperatures, longer days, and more opportunity to spend time outside taking advantage of what nature has to offer signal the arrival of summer. But the summer also has its own unique set of difficulties. Here are five suggestions to make the most of your summer while remaining safe and healthy:

1. Keep food safety in mind when grilling out or picnicking.

The peak season for foodborne diseases is the summer. The good news is that avoiding getting sick from eating is quite easy to do.

When preparing food this summer under hotter temperatures, use these tips:

• Never leave perishable food out in the sun or heat for more than two hours.
• Pack your food in an insulated cooler with ice packs.
• Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables.
• Be sure to wash your cutlery thoroughly in between uses.
• Wash your hands often, especially after handling raw meat.
• Cook meat to the correct temperature.
• Avoid summertime power outages by storing perishable food in a cooler.
• Clean the grill grates with soapy water before cooking.

2. Be careful with fireworks.

Summertime celebrations aren’t complete without fireworks, but they may be quite risky. Fireworks cause injuries to thousands of individuals each year.

While summer is a time for relaxation and fun, it’s also important to be aware of safety hazards. Here are some tips to stay safe this summer:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Older children should only use fireworks under close adult supervision.
• Be sure to have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher handy in case of emergencies.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move away quickly.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully ignited.
• Keep fireworks away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Pets should be kept indoors during fireworks displays.

3. Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated.

During the summer, it’s crucial to stay hydrated, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outside in the heat. Make careful to hydrate yourself by drinking lots of water or unsweetened iced tea. And bring a sports drink with you if you plan to spend a lot of time outside so you can replenish your electrolytes.

Heat Stroke vs. Heat Exhaustion

Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke can result from prolonged exposure to the heat. Be cautious to be aware of the symptoms of these ailments so you can get medical attention as needed:

Heavy perspiration, lightheadedness, and dizziness are symptoms of heat exhaustion. Heatstroke, a medical emergency, can result from heat exhaustion if it is left untreated.
High body temperature, disorientation, and unconsciousness are warning signs of heat stroke.

4. Take advantage of summer fruits and vegetables.

In-season produce is not only delicious but also more affordable. Adding fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet helps support your health and boost your immune system. Visit your local farmer’s market or pick your own fruit to get the best deal! Here are some great choices to try:

• Watermelon.
• Corn on the cob.
• Cucumbers.
• Tomatoes.
• Berries.
• Peaches.
• Plums.
• Cherries.
• Nectarines.
• Figs.

5. Get moving!

The summer season is ideal for spending time outdoors with loved ones. Have fun by going on a hike, riding your bikes, and playing tag. Your age and physical condition will determine how much exercise you require.

For instance, to maintain the same level of fitness, older folks may need to exercise more than younger adults. Additionally, those who are at risk for or have chronic health concerns may need to change their exercise regimens.

6. Keep your skin protected from the sun.

Make sure to protect yourself when you’re outside because too much sun might cause skin damage. Apply sunscreen every two hours and wear clothing with a minimum SPF of 15. When outdoors, remember to wear caps and sunglasses. As much as you can, stay in the shade.

7. Be aware of summer hazards.

Summertime can be dangerous for a number of reasons, including swimming safety and outdoor activities. Learn about potential dangers and how to avoid them. The key to preventing many typical summertime safety risks is teaching your kids how to stay safe, such as not going swimming alone and cycling or hiking only on designated trails.

8. Don’t let bugs ruin your summer fun.

Summertime means spending more time outdoors, which also means dealing with bugs. To avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and other pests, use insect repellent. And if you’re using a spray, be sure to apply it in a well-ventilated area.

Most bug bites are harmless and will go away on their own. However, some bug bites can cause serious health problems. It’s important to know when to see a doctor for a bug bite.

If you have any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor:

• Severe pain.
• Severe swelling.
• Redness spreads from the bite.
• Pus or drainage from the bite.
• Fever.
• Chills.
• Body aches.

If you are allergic to bug bites, you should see a doctor if you have any reaction to a bug bite, even if it’s mild.

Reference: rrh.org