|
July 2006 Edition
Print Article | Tell a friend
Healthy Grilling and Meat Prep Podcast | Comments
Summer afternoon - Summer afternoon...the two most beautiful words in the English language.
-Henry James
The arrival of summer means lovely weather and time spent outdoors. Leisurely getaways, backyard barbecues, endless days at the shore-this is your chance to kick back in whatever way feels right. Take steps to avoid common summer pitfalls and you'll be left with a beach bag full of memories to warm you throughout the year.
Mind the Heat
While it's tempting to spend marathon days outdoors, too much exposure to the sun can cause heat-related illness, especially for young children and the elderly. Undertake strenuous activity in the coolest part of the day-usually before 7 a.m. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, and drink lots of water, even if you don't feel thirsty (by the time you feel thirsty, you may be dehydrated).
To avoid potentially damaging effects of the sun, arm yourself with a high-quality sunscreen. According to the American Cancer Society, the majority of skin cancers are preventable by shielding skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Its catch phrase-"Slip! Slop! Slap!...and Wrap"-describes the four key methods for sun protection: Slip on a shirt, Slop on sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher, Slap on a hat, and Wrap on sunglasses to protect the eyes and sensitive skin around them.
Safe Travels
Sunny skies set the stage for summer getaways. Take steps to avoid medical surprises that could place a damper on your journey. Pack medications in a waterproof container in your carry-on luggage, and carry a doctor's letter describing your conditions and regular medications.
For exotic travels to areas where modern medical care is not readily available, bring a first aid kit filled with pain relievers, sunscreen, antifungal and antibacterial ointments, and anti-diarrhea medications. Check with the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/travel) to learn of any disease outbreaks, food and water precautions, and necessary immunizations or medications.
Jump In...The Water's Fine!
At home or on vacation, time spent in or on the water is a surefire way to cool down and chill out. According to the American Red Cross, the most important safety measure you can take to enjoy the water this summer is to learn to swim. Even good swimmers, however, should swim only in supervised areas, obey all posted signs, and stop swimming at the first sign of a storm. If you have a backyard pool where children play, place barriers around it to prevent access, closely supervise the little ones and be prepared in case of an emergency.
A Word on Fireworks
Even with legislation prohibiting the use of many fireworks, accidents involving their use happen every year. If they're part of your holiday plans, use them only in a clear, open area, and on a hard surface. Only adults should handle fireworks, and never while consuming alcohol.
Fire Up the Grill!
A cookout with friends and family is one of life's great pleasures. Maximize enjoyment by preventing foodborne illness, on the rise during hot summer months. The Partnership for Food Safety Education offers these tips:
- Wash hands and surfaces often with hot, soapy water. When eating at a campground or other picnic area, find out if there's a source of clean water. If not, bring water and moist towelettes for cleaning hands and surfaces.
- Don't cross-contaminate. When packing a cooler, wrap raw meats securely to keep juices from touching other foods. Wash plates, utensils, and cutting boards that held raw meat or poultry before using again for cooked food.
- Make sure meats are cooked well. Visit www.fightbac.org for a list of suggested temperatures.
- When in doubt, throw it out. Food left out of refrigeration for more than two hours may not be safe to eat.
Above all, long, languid summers are a time of rest and renewal. With a bit of common sense and caution, all the season's treasures are yours for the asking.
Listen to Podcasts on the following: please note the audio (.mp3) files below will take a few moments do download and stream using a broadband connection:
Click here for more Summer articles...
*We want to hear from you! Comment on these articles.
Don't forget to look for our newsletters and coupons in a store near you!
IF YOU FIND THIS INFORMATION VALUABLE PASS IT ON TO A FRIEND:
Tell a friend
|
Subscribe to the Health E-News (RSS) news feed and get updates immediately. Click here for more information about RSS news feeds!
Newsreader not listed?
Click Here
|
