Stay Safe and Healthy This Summer
Keeping the Sun Fun and Safe
The temperatures are rising and the days are getting longer. It′s summertime once again. Here are some tips to help make your summer the best, and healthiest, one yet.
“Heat-related illnesses claim the lives of hundreds of people each year”
Grill and Chill
Whether you prefer burgers off the grill or a picnic in the park, one thing you don’t want on the menu this summer is foodborne illness. Take these steps to help keep germs at bay.
- Wash your hands before and after handling food.
- When taking foods off the grill, do not put cooked food items back on the same plate that previously held raw food.
- When grilling foods, preheat the coals on your grill for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the coals are lightly coated with ash.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that food reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Never let raw meat, cooked food or cut fresh fruits or vegetables sit at room temperature more than two hours before putting them in the cooler or refrigerator (one hour when the temperature is above 90°F).
- Make sure to pack plenty of extra ice or freezer packs in your cooler to ensure a constant cold temperature.
Beat the Heat
Heat-related illnesses claim the lives of hundreds of people each year, so it is important to take these precautions when working or playing outside during the hot summer months.
- Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic beverages;
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that is light in color;
- Reduce strenuous activities or do them during the cooler parts of the day.
Fun in the Sun
Your summer plans may include hitting the beach, or just spending more time outdoors. Make sure you plan to avoid sunburn, which can increase your risk of skin cancer.
- Seek shade, especially during midday hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), when UV rays are strongest and do the most damage.
- Cover up with clothing to protect exposed skin. A long-sleeved shirt and long pants with a tight weave are best.
- Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.
- Grab shades that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
- Rub on sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection.
Swim Safe
Swimming is a fun way to stay cool and be active. Before diving in, make sure you know these tips for staying healthy and safe while swimming.
- Avoid swallowing pool water or even getting it in your mouth.
- Shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
- Take children on bathroom breaks or check diapers often.
- Keep an eye on children at all times. Kids can drown in seconds and in silence.
- Never swim alone or in unsupervised locations.
Teach children to always swim with a buddy.
- Don’t use air-filled swimming aids (such as “water wings”) with children in place of life jackets or life preservers.
For More Information
1-800-CDC-INFO
Article Courtesy of cdc.gov
Don’t forget your pets too …
Keep Your Pet Safe and Cool All Summer Long With These Tips
For many of us, Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer. We enjoy our first dip in the pool, get out the grill for burgers and hot dogs, and bask in the newly warm temperatures. But while the warm weather may feel great on our bare shoulders now, come June and July, the rising mercury can be a bit unbearable for people and animals alike.
You see, our furry friends feel temperatures differently than we do—and during summer months, they can easily get too hot for comfort. By following the simple pet safety tips below, you’ll ensure that your pet keeps cool in the summer months ahead:
A pet in a parked vehicle is not cool.
Even when it’s a comfortable 70 degrees outside, the temperature inside a parked car can climb to 90 degrees in just 10 minutes—and up to 110 degrees in less than hour—exposing our furry friends to serious risks of discomfort, illness and even death. Responsible animal lovers can do their part to help other pets in danger: if you see a distressed dog inside a parked car on a warm day, immediately call your local animal control or law enforcement for help.
During hot summer months, regular exercise can be dangerous for pets.
Even if your pets are active and in tip-top shape, you may want to adjust their activities to avoid midday sweltering temps during the summer. Remember, our furry friends can’t cool themselves as well as we can! They rely on panting and limited sweating through the bottoms of their paws to cool down. Take your pet outdoors during the early morning or late evening, which tend to be a bit cooler, to avoid overheating.
If your pet is left outdoors, ensure they have access to shade and fresh water at all times.
Even if you only plan to leave a pet outdoors in the backyard for just a few minutes, sometimes your quick errand can turn into a full afternoon away from your furry friend! Since temperatures in a yard can increase to dangerous levels within a short period of time, ensure your pet has a shaded area and bowl of fresh water nearby.
Be aware of the signs of heat stroke.
Signs of heat stroke include excessive panting, dark or bright red tongue and gums, lethargy, stumbling, seizures, bloody diarrhea or vomiting, and coma. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, you should seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible. You can provide some immediate treatment using cool (but not icy) water to lower your pet’s temperature by submerging the pet in a tub of water, wetting him with a hose or sponging him down. If your pet showed signs of heat stroke but has been cooled and now appears fine, do not assume that all is well. Internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys and the brain, are all affected by extreme body temperature elevation. It is best to have a veterinarian examine your pet to assess potential health complications and ensure that other risks are not overlooked.
The summer months are filled with fun times for you and your furry friends, but keep in mind their safety. With these precautions, you’ll ensure your pet keeps cool all summer long!
Article courtesy americanhumane.org
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