10 Tips For A Happy And Healthy Summer

Summertime is upon us, which means warmer weather, longer days, and more opportunities to get outside and enjoy all that nature offers. But summertime also comes with its own set of challenges. To help you make the most of your summer while staying safe and healthy, here are ten tips:

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1. Keep food safety in mind when grilling out or picnicking.

Summertime is the peak season for foodborne illnesses. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to avoid getting sick from the food you eat.

When preparing food this summer under hotter temperatures, use these tips:

• Never leave perishable food out in the sun or heat for more than two hours.

• Pack your food in an insulated cooler with ice packs.

• Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables.

• Be sure to wash your cutlery thoroughly in between uses.

• Wash your hands often, especially after handling raw meat.

• Cook meat to the correct temperature.

• Avoid summertime power outages by storing perishable food in a cooler.

• Clean the grill grates with soapy water before cooking.

2. Be careful with fireworks.

Fireworks are a staple of summertime celebrations, but they can also be very dangerous. Each year, thousands of people are injured by fireworks.

While summer is a time for relaxation and fun, it’s also important to be aware of safety hazards. Here are some tips to stay safe this summer:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

• Older children should only use fireworks under close adult supervision.

• Be sure to have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher handy in case of emergencies.

• Light fireworks one at a time, then move away quickly.

• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully ignited.

• Keep fireworks away from buildings and vehicles.

• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.