Tips for a Healthy Florida Summer

Many people enjoy various summer activities in Southwest Florida with the beach and other recreational areas so quickly available.  However, people should be aware that with the high heat and intense sun, there are a few things to consider to stay safe and healthy and better enjoy summer activities in Southwest Florida.

The most obvious danger in the Florida summer is the intensity of the sun.  Even brief exposure to the Florida sun can cause sunburn, and frequent or prolonged exposure can increase the risks of developing skin cancer later in life.  For this reason, it’s important to stay in the shade whenever possible and cover your skin with loose-fitting clothing.  Any time you’re going to be out in the sun, remember to apply sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher.  The longer you stay in the sun, the more you should reapply the sunscreen, especially if you’re swimming, as even waterproof sunscreen will wear off quickly.

The summer sun and humidity also make Southwest Florida especially hot, with daily temperatures routinely above 90 degrees.  These temperatures increase the danger of dehydration and heat-related illnesses, especially in children.  In order to combat this danger, it’s important to stay hydrated and to cool off after strenuous activity.  Make time to relax in the shade and drink cool water, or return to an air-conditioned space to recover from being in the heat.

With the heat and outdoor activities, it’s important to consider food safety as well.  Bacteria can grow quickly on food in warm environments, so be sure to pack leftover foods into a cooler or other cold storage.  Food that contains meat such as chicken or fish, eggs, or dairy should be discarded if exposed to 90 degree temperatures for more than an hour.  Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before eating or handling food, and be careful about cross-contamination.

Another effect of the Florida climate is the danger of mosquitos, which can carry arboviruses that can be problematic for people.  For this reason, as well as just trying to avoid the nuisance, it’s important to avoid mosquitos.  Try to limit outdoor activities to daytime hours, as mosquitos prefer to come out at night.  If you do go outside at night, apply EPA-approved bug repellants.  Additionally, wear clothing that covers your skin, such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts.

Because of longer daytime hours and bright weather, as well as the access to beaches, lakes, and pools, more people will be in the water during the summer.  It’s important to be safe when swimming or boating or any other water activity.  Adults should always closely supervise children any time they are near the water, as drowning is among the leading causes of death in children ages 1 to 4.  Don’t drink alcohol if you’re swimming or boating, and especially if you’re supervising children.

It’s also important to be safe when riding a bicycle.  Accidents on bicycles can lead to serious brain injuries, so always wear a helmet and be sure that children wear their helmets.  Younger children should always be supervised when riding a bicycle, to keep them safe and away from larger moving vehicles.

The Florida summer can be a lot of fun if you take the appropriate precautions to remain safe and healthy.  If you have any questions about your health or about ways to stay healthy this summer, please contact IPALC at info@ipalc.org and our staff will happily assist you.

 

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