Summer fun, fitness, health and safety should be a package deal, according to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
CDC offers the following advice for a healthful summer.
Sun safety
Protect yourself from summer heat, UV rays and an increased risk of skin
cancer by:
- Using sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
- Reapplying sunscreen often, especially after swimming.
- Wearing long sleeves and pants. Beat the heat with clothes that are lightweight,
light in color and loose fitting.
- Drinking plenty of water.
- Planning strenuous exercise for cooler times of the day.
Water wisdom
Keep your family safe in and around the water by:
- Having close adult supervision for children swimming or playing near water.
- Not swimming alone. Teach your kids to always swim with a buddy too.
- Never drinking alcohol while swimming, boating, water skiing or supervising children.
- Planning swimming lessons for yourself and children older than 1 year.
- Maintaining your pool to avoid spreading infectious illnesses. Also avoid
swallowing pool, lake or river water.
Food facts
Pay attention to food safety during the warm months:
- Cook all meat, poultry and fish thoroughly. Use a thermometer to make sure
food is cooked all the way through.
- Avoid cross contamination by washing hands, utensils and cutting boards
well after touching raw meat.
- Put leftovers in the refrigerator right away to prevent bacterial growth.
- Wash produce well before eating it.