How to Stay Healthy and Safe This Summer

Editors note: Updated and reviewed June 25, 2021

Summer is the season we look forward to most in the Pacific Northwest. To enjoy your summer to the fullest extent, keep the following tips in mind to stay healthy and avoid potential dangers.

Protect Your Skin

• Wear sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30.
• Limit the amount of time you spend in the direct sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Wear protective clothing and UV-protective sunglasses and hats.

Stay Hydrated

• Calculate how many ounces of water you need each day by dividing your body weight by two.
• Snack on water-packed veggies like cucumbers, celery and tomatoes.
• Add fresh berries or slices of lemon to your water for extra flavor.

Keep Kids Safe

• Supervise kids around water at all times. The supervising adult should be within an arm’s length of a child who is in or near water.
• Protect against bites, stings and poison ivy/oak with protective clothing or tick/bug repellents.
• Wear helmets when bike riding.
• Prevent injuries by supervising young kids around fall hazards (stairs, playground equipment, windows).

Eat Smart

• Add more fruits and veggies to your diet; shop for local, seasonal produce at a farmers market.
• When grilling, choose lean cuts of meat, keep raw meat away from cooked food and cook thoroughly.
• Pack your own healthy snacks when visiting the beach, zoo or fair to avoid unhealthy impulse buys.