Have a Safe Summer!

MORE TIME OUTDOORS MEANS NEW WAYS TO STAY SAFE

The return of warmer temperatures brings thoughts of freedom, relaxation, exploration, and being closer to nature. Whether you're relaxing in the backyard, turning up your garden, enjoying the pool, or exploring the great outdoors, there are ways to help keep you and your family healthy this summer.

While you're outside enjoying the weather, remember to protect your pets too. Keeping healthy pets will help keep you and your family healthy.

Children can get roundworm and hookworm from soil contaminated by pet feces (stool), so make sure that puppies and kittens are seen by a veterinarian and dewormed. Protect family pets from ticks and fleas by keeping them on a flea and tick control program.

Prevent skin cancer. Avoid being outdoors during the midday if the sun is intense, use sunscreen with at least SPF 15, cover up with clothing, wear a brimmed hat, and wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays. Be aware of the signs of heat stress.

Nothing says summer like the smoky flavor of foods cooked out on the grill. Whether you're cooking out in the backyard or on a picnic, always keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. When you're finished eating, refrigerate leftovers promptly.

Because summer weather is so unpredictable, you may be unprepared when severe weather hits. When severe weather hits unexpectedly, the risk of injury and death increases, so planning ahead makes sense. Prepare family members for the possibility of severe weather. Tell them where to seek  shelter as soon as they are aware of an approaching storm. 

Pay attention to weather alerts and storm sirens and sign up for textcaster on our website livcohealthcenter.com to get emergency notifications by text.

Talk about and practice an emergency plan and make sure you have supplies like batteries, candles and a lighter or matches, food that doesn’t need cooked and first aid supplies.

Source: Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services