With many schools starting to end this means summer is arriving. Families are headed outdoors to enjoy the warm weather while it lasts as well as the longer days. Regardless of what you will be up to it’s a perfect opportunity for children, parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents to capture fun memories. However, we need to make sure everyone stays injury-free and healthy. Here are a few tips for babies to seniors to be active and remain safe:

Food and Drink

1. Drink plenty of water, around a half gallon a day per person.
2. Keep perishable and mayonnaise-based foods in an insulated cooler with plenty of ice.
3. Defrost and marinate foods only in the refrigerator.

Clothing

1. Wear light-colored, lightweight clothing with a loose fit.
2. Keep on a wide brimmed hat to reduce direct exposure to the sun.

Sun and Insect Protection

1. Apply and re-apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher.
2. Limit time in the sun during the highest UV light hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
3. Use an environmental Protection Agency approved repellant to prevent mosquito and other insect bites.
4. Make sure to check everyone, including pets, for ticks, especially in areas where Lyme disease is common.

Physical Activity

1. Leave outdoor activities to the morning or evening.
2. Supervise children around all water sources.
3. Wear life jackets when boating and participating in other water sports.
4. Seek immediate medical attention if anyone shows signs of heat-related illness.

These are just a few things that we want everyone to be aware of this summer. We want to make sure everyone has a fun but safe summer season.