A look at summer safety through the eyes of Public Health

Summer is finally here, and everyone is ready to enjoy Garrett County’s great outdoors. The staff at the Garrett County Health Department reminds everyone that although summer can be a fun time of year, we all need to be cautious to make sure the summer fun doesn’t turn into a nightmare.

“Public health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “We try to prevent people from getting sick or injured in the first place, and we promote wellness by encouraging healthy behaviors.”

The list of summer safety tips reads like an index from a Public Health 101 Class. The information in this article is a condensed version, so follow the links for more information on each topic.

Sun Safety is at the top of the list of summer safety topics. Everyone knows that the sun’s rays can damage your skin, so follow these easy sun safety rules to help keep everyone safe. Use sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15, and reapply often, or wear protective clothing, even in the shade. The sun can get through most t-shirts, so sunscreen is still a must. A hat with a brim will help shade your face, ears, and the back of your neck, all tender spots where too much sun can cause pain and damage. Sunglasses can protect your eyes and reduce your risk of developing cataracts. For more sun safety information visit http://bit.ly/gcsunsafety.

Swimming safety is another important subject. This topic can be split into two subtopics, being safe in and around the water, and staying healthy. Water safety includes lots of things, like swimming lessons, swimming only in designated areas, wearing life vests while boating or participating in other water sports, and being extra diligent about watching small children around any water sources. Staying healthy around water involves making sure you don’t swallow, or breath in mist or aerosols of contaminated water in swimming pools, hot tubs/spas, water playground, lakes, rivers, or oceans. To keep waters clean it takes everyone being extra careful to not allow kids to swim when they have diarrhea, having kids take bathroom breaks every 60 minutes, and checking diapers every 30-60 minutes. For more water safety information visit http://bit.ly/gcsafeswim.

Mosquito bites and tick bites can definitely put a damper on summer fun, as well as cause lasting issues if the insect is carrying diseases. The most effective way to avoid getting sick from viruses spread by mosquitoes and ticks is to prevent getting bites in the first place. Using an EPA-registered insect repellent can protect you from both mosquitoes and ticks. Check the link below for the recommended active ingredients. Covering up can also be a protection, so wear long sleeves and long pants. Spraying your clothes with the repellent is added protection if you will be near grassy, brushy, or wooded areas where ticks make their home. Conduct a full body check after returning from potentially tick-infested areas. For more information on mosquito bites visit http://bit.ly/gcbites and for tick bites visit http://bit.ly/gctickprevention.

Food Safety is extra important during warm summer months because of the increase in picnics and cookouts. Following four simple steps at home — Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill — can help protect you and your loved ones from food poisoning. Keep things clean by washing your hands and surfaces often. Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs from ready to eat foods. Cook foods to the correct internal temperature to kill germs that can make you sick. Check the link below for correct temps for various foods. And finally, chill foods by refrigerating promptly, within 2 hours, unless the outside temperature is 90 degrees or above, then 1 hour is the rule. For more information about food safety in general visit http://bit.ly/gcfoodsafety or for grilling safety specifically visit http://bit.ly/gcgrillsafety.

For more information about these, and other public health summer safety issues call the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7777, or 301-387-3111.

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department