As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, summer brings with it the perfect opportunity to enjoy outdoor adventures, family gatherings, and well-deserved relaxation. However, the season also introduces unique health and safety concerns that can affect every member of the family. From food safety to sun protection, preparing now can help ensure your summer is both fun and safe.
Here are 10 essential tips to help you and your family enjoy a healthy and happy summer.
1. Practice Food Safety Outdoors
Barbecues and picnics are summer staples, but hot weather increases the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Keep your food safe by following these tips:
- Don’t leave perishable food out for more than two hours—or one hour if it’s over 90°F.
- Use insulated coolers with ice packs to keep foods cold.
- Separate raw meats from fruits and vegetables.
- Wash your hands and utensils often.
- Clean grill grates before cooking and cook meats to safe internal temperatures.
2. Use Fireworks Responsibly
Fireworks add excitement to summer celebrations, but also pose serious injury risks.
Stay safe by:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
- Supervise older children closely.
- Having a bucket of water or an extinguisher nearby.
- Lighting fireworks one at a time and stepping back quickly.
- Keeping pets indoors, as loud noises can scare them.
3. Hydrate and Rest
Hot temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke.
Stay cool by:
- Drinking water or electrolyte-rich drinks throughout the day.
- Taking breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
- Recognizing heat-related illness symptoms:
- Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, dizziness, fatigue.
- Heatstroke: high fever, confusion, fainting—call 911 immediately if suspected.
4. Eat Seasonal Fruits and Veggies
Summer is the peak season for fresh produce, which offers vital nutrients and immune support.
Add these to your plate:
- Watermelon, peaches, berries, and cherries.
- Tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, and plums.
- Visit local farmers’ markets or try pick-your-own farms for fresh, affordable options.
5. Stay Physically Active
Warm weather makes it easy to enjoy outdoor activities that keep your body moving.
Recommended guidelines:
- Adults: 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly.
- Children: At least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.
- Include strength training 2–3 times per week for all age groups.
Activities like biking, hiking, swimming, or even a family game of tag make exercising enjoyable.
6. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Excess sun exposure can cause sunburn, premature aging, and increase skin cancer risk.
Smart sun safety tips:
- Wear broad-spectrum SPF 15+ sunscreen, and reapply every two hours.
- Use hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing.
- Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
7. Be Aware of Outdoor Hazards
Outdoor fun can come with risks like injury, dehydration, or getting lost.
Teach kids to:
- Never swim alone.
- Wear helmets when biking or skateboarding.
- Stay on marked trails while hiking.
- Always tell someone where you are going.
Being proactive reduces the risk of accidents.
8. Prevent Bug Bites
Mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests can spread diseases or cause allergic reactions.
Bug safety tips:
- Use EPA-approved insect repellents.
- Wear long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas.
- Check for ticks after outdoor play.
- See a doctor if a bite causes fever, swelling, or other unusual symptoms.
9. Avoid Summer Illnesses
More travel and gatherings can increase the spread of viruses like COVID-19 or the flu.
Stay healthy by:
- Washing hands regularly.
- Avoid crowded indoor spaces when sick.
- Staying up to date on vaccinations.
- Practicing good hygiene, especially during trips or visits to public places.
10. Keep Up with Routine Healthcare
School’s out—but health check-ups should stay on schedule.
Don’t forget:
- Annual physicals, eye exams, and dental cleanings.
- Monitoring chronic conditions.
- Checking on elderly relatives or neighbors who may struggle with heat or isolation.
A little planning goes a long way toward maintaining wellness all summer.
Final Thoughts
Summer is a time for making memories—but it’s also a time to stay mindful of your family’s health and safety. By taking these simple precautions, you can make the most of the sunny season while keeping everyone safe, active, and well.
To learn more about your insurance choices, connect with one of our agents today to discuss all your options and answer any questions you may have. The experts at LIG Solutions have licensed health insurance professionals who intend to offer a simple and transparent view of healthcare coverage. There’s no need to spend hours trying to understand different plan options – we’ll work with you to understand your needs and budget to recommend a plan that will work best for you. And because we have no vested interest in which insurance carrier you go through, you can rest easy knowing we are truly looking out for your employees’ best interests.
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