Tips for a Safe and Healthy Summer

Summertime is typically synonymous with a lot of time spent outdoors. Barbecues, swimming at a local lake or beach, enjoying the City’s free outdoor fitness classes, exploring farmer’s markets and outdoor festivals, and the list goes on. It’s a celebratory time of year to be engaging in the community with family and friends. Summertime can also be a dangerous season for a variety of reasons. We hope that you will plan ahead when scheduling activities and outings to stay safe. Below are some tips for you and your family to keep in mind this year. Happy summer! 

• Drink plenty of water! It’s easy to get dehydrated in the warmer weather. You can spruce it up with some fresh lemon, lime or cucumber.
• Wear sunscreen everyday – even if it’s cloudy or “not that hot." SPF 30 or higher is best and reapply often.
• Additional sun safety – wear a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself.
• If you attend a party with family and friends, enjoy yourself, but please be safe. Always designate a sober driver.
• Playgrounds, parks, and beaches tend to get very crowded during the summer. Make a safety plan with your kids should anyone get lost. Inform them of what to do in an emergency.
• Provide children with life jackets when playing by water. Teach them about water safety, enroll them in swim lessons, and try to enjoy places that provide lifeguard support.
• Use an effective insect repellent while playing outdoors. Check your children and yourself for ticks afterwards. 
• Supervise children and teens who are using electronics, especially those on social media. Cyber bullying and harassment can be prevented with open lines of communication and trust. 
• If you or someone you're with experience symptoms of a heat-related illness, get medical help right away. Symptoms include confusion, nausea, dizziness, and severe headaches.