With summer now officially here and the temperatures heating up, no doubt your thoughts are turning to summer outdoor activities. Here are some suggestions to help you stay safe and healthy while enjoying the warm weather this summer:
- Stay Hydrated. To replace fluid loss, drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Water is essential in the function of every single organ system in the body. It contains important minerals, flushes out toxins and carries nutrients to our cells and tissues. And remember, infants and toddlers can become dehydrated much more easily than adults, so make sure they get lots of liquids.
- Be Fluid Savvy! In summer heat, try to steer clear of drinks containing sugars, salts, caffeine, alcohol, and other chemicals. They can intensify diuretic effects, increase your risk of dehydration, and may cause serious illness.
- Sun Safety. Wear lightweight, loose fitting clothing. Wear a hat with a wide brim to help shade your eyes, ears, and head. Protect children and infants from the sun. Never leave children, pets, or Elders in a closed parked vehicle. Keep infants under 6 months out of the sun. Avoid the use of sunscreen on infants and keep them completely covered and in the shade.
- Protect Your Eyes and Skin. Wear sunglasses that wrap around and help block both UVA and UVB rays. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that includes both UVA and UVB protection and is water resistant with an SPF of at least 30. Be generous and re-apply frequently during the day. Avoid the dangers of indoor tanning which has been linked to Melanoma – the deadliest type of skin cancer.
- Eat Smart and Healthy. Focus on fresh summer vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and healthy lean protein. Ideally, choose seafood at least twice a week.
- Water Safety. Supervise young children while bathing, swimming, or playing in or around water. Learn to swim and always swim with a friend. Learn CPR. Use a Coast Guard approved life jacket not toys such as “water wings” as safety devices. Avoid alcohol before or during swimming, boating, or waterskiing.
- Fight the Bite. Use an EPA approved insect repellants to help prevent insect-borne diseases. Ensure window and door screens are intact. If possible, avoid peak mosquito hours from dusk to dawn. Drain standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Safely dispose of dead birds and contact your local health department as they may carry the West Nile Virus.
- Stay Healthy. Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand cleaner if soap and water is not available.
- Get Outdoors. Summertime offers many more opportunities to get outdoors, be active and enjoy physical activities such as healthy summer walks.
The information presented in this report has been compiled from the Centers for Disease Control and various other relevant government agencies and is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified professional health care provider.
Best wishes for a Safe, Happy and Healthy Summer!