With summer finally here, Vancouver Coastal Health want to ensure you stay healthy by offering the following safety tips.
Stay cool
Avoid strenuous activities when the sun is at its hottest, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Drink plenty of water or other cool, non-alcoholic, decaffeinated drinks to prevent dehydration.
Find a shady spot or a cool or air-conditioned place to relax on warm days.
On warm days, never leave your children or pets in parked vehicles. Also, check in on elderly neighbours and family members living alone as they are one of the highest risk groups for heat-related illnesses.
Recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses: excess or the absence of perspiration, headache, dizziness and nausea, changes in mental status and laboured breathing.
Stay sun safe
Any time you are outdoors in the sun, remember to slop on the sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Apply 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply often, especially after perspiring or going in the water.
Even in overcast conditions, you can get a sunburn. Up to 80 per cent of the sun's rays can penetrate light clouds, mist and fog, and up to 85 per cent can be reflected back from surfaces such as water, concrete and sand.
Wear a hat with a brim, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and 100 per cent UV blocking sunglasses.
Swim safe
Children require constant supervision around pools. A child can drown in seconds in only a few inches of water.
Never swim farther or in deeper water than you can handle.
Never dive into unknown water. Underwater objects may appear deeper than they are.
Some pools, hot tubs and even lakes can contain bacteria that can make you sick. Avoid swallowing water or entering the water if you have an open wound or an infection to reduce your risk.
If you own a pool, install a fence around the pool with a gate that cannot be opened by a child. Also child proof or lock doors that open directly to a back yard pool area.
Camp safe
Check the weather forecast before you leave and bring appropriate equipment.
Keep your clothing, sleeping bags and important gear dry at all times. Wet clothes and sleeping bags contribute to heat loss.
Bring emergency supplies including a first-aid kit. This should include band aids, antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, pain relievers, treatments for food and insect allergies, a map, compass, flashlight, whistle and a knife.
Disinfect water taken from lakes, rivers, mountain streams and ponds no matter how clean it looks. When in doubt, boil water for five minutes.
Be aware of any potential hazards on your campsite by completing a thorough check when you arrive.
Practice fire safety by making sure your fires are always attended and away from your tent. Extinguish fires with water or sand and remember that embers can remain live for hours.
Avoid unwanted encounters with animals and insects by storing food in a cooler in your car. Never leave food unattended outside or in your tent.
Fight the bite
Eliminate mosquito breeding sites by getting rid of stagnant water outside in containers such as flowerpots or backyard pools.
Install screens on windows and doors.
Wear mosquito repellent, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Repellant containing DEET is most effective - up to 30% DEET for adults and 10% for children (not recommended for infants).
If you must apply both DEET and sunscreen, apply the sunscreen first and wait 20 minutes before applying DEET.
Wear light-coloured long sleeves and pants and avoid using perfumes or scented products.
Eat safe
Keep luncheon meats, pasta salads or other perishable foods in an insulated cooler packed with lots of ice or several ice packs (4oC or 40oF or less).
When grilling foods, use a probe thermometer to ensure safe internal temperatures. Cook chicken and ground beef to 74 C or 165 F to kill harmful bacteria that can cause food borne illnesses.
Store leftovers in separate, shallow, covered containers in the refrigerator and eat within two days.
Clean and sanitize all surfaces, and cooking and eating utensils, especially after coming in contact with raw meat.
Play safe
When biking, hiking or just playing outdoors, make sure you bring enough water and easy-to-carry snacks that will provide plenty of energy and rehydration.
Always wear a helmet and other protective equipment when biking, skateboarding or rollerblading and ensure good fit and proper use of gear. Wear life jackets while boating.
When participating in an outdoor activity at dusk or after dark, wear lightly coloured, reflective clothing so you are visible to others. If cycling, use front and rear lights on bikes.
Avoid alcohol-related injuries. Do not drive boats or vehicles or engage in recreational activities while under the influence of alcohol. Plan for a safe ride home before going out.
For health related questions or concerns, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 or visit www.healthlinkbc.ca, 24 hours a day/seven days a week.
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