SUMMER SAFETY
Beat the Heat
The summer heat can be dangerous. Elderly, children, and those with chronic conditions are at risk from the extreme heat. When going outside try to find areas with shade, utilize portable fans/cooling devices, and visit splash parks to help the body cool down.
Never leave children or pets in a closed, parked vehicle for any amount of time.
Sun Protection
Wear a hat
Protective light wieght clothing for all ages
Use sunscreen that is at least SPF30 or higher, water resistant, and provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Apply 15 mins before going outdoors and reapply at a minimum every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating.
***Babies under 6 months of age should not use sunscreen so the best protection is to keep them in shade and utilizing protective clothing***
Hydration Tricks
Hot weather causes your body to lose water through sweat, making hydration critical. To keep your family drinking enough water, try making it fun. Some fun ways to keep the family drinking water are to add fresh fruit to your water, making healthy popsicles, and making ice cubes filled with fruit.
Outdoor Fun
Be sure to wear a helmet when riding a bike, scooter, skating etc.
Try to avoid peak sun rays in the middle of the day
Bug Bites
Use insect repellants that contain DEET or picardin when outdoors (ages 2 months and older)
Natural alternative: Insect repellant that contains oil of lemon eucalyptus (ages 3 yrs and older)
Perform tick checks regularly for family and pets after spending time outdoors
