How to have a safe, healthy summer

Summer health and safety requires proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with outdoor activities. Essential swimming skills, such as floating and finding an exit, are critical, as is the presence of a designated water watcher for children to prevent drowning. Sunlight exposure offers mood and health benefits, but necessitates hydration and skin protection to avoid heat exhaustion and burns. Dietary adjustments, specifically prioritizing whole, seasonal fruits and vegetables, support long-term health and reduce reliance on ultra-processed foods. Finally, preventing tick-borne illnesses and mosquito bites involves wearing protective clothing, conducting thorough tick checks after outdoor time, and applying EPA-recommended repellents like DEET correctly. These practices ensure a safe transition into warmer weather by balancing outdoor enjoyment with necessary precautions against common seasonal hazards.