Stay Safe and Healthy This Summer!

Backyard barbeques, hiking trips, swimming pools, and more - summer is here! Whatever your plans, be sure to keep safety top of mind.

"Summer is a time to relax, explore, and enjoy life - but your health doesn't take a vacation," said Dr. Mary DiOrio, medical director at the Ohio Department of Health. "With some preparation and awareness, you can make this summer safe, healthy, and memorable."

We've created a public health-focused summer checklist to help you and your family stay safe and prepared.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

• Apply sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen and a protective lip balm and apply both as directed.
• Wear protective clothing: When possible, select lightweight long-sleeved shirts, pants/long skirts, and wide-brimmed hats to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Some clothing is certified under international standards as offering UV protection. Wear sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes.

Stay Hydrated and Cool

• Take precautions in extreme heat.
• Help your body cool down by staying well hydrated with water. Don't wait until you are thirsty to start drinking water.
• Monitor your body - you may need to drink more on hot and humid days, especially if you are active throughout the day. Talk to your doctor and consider the use of electrolytes when hydrating.
• Limit fluids that contain alcohol, caffeine, or high amounts of sugars and sodium, as they can add to dehydration and increase the effects of heat illness.
• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion - headache, nausea, muscle cramps, and heavy sweating. Move to a cooler area and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. Learn more about heat illnesses on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
• Check in on your loved ones: Extreme heat may affect vulnerable populations. Reach out to your neighbors, especially if they are older, have chronic medical conditions, or live alone.

Have a Safe Swim Summer

• Be a water watcher: No matter what the water type is, keep an eye on kids and teens. Avoid distractions - drowning can happen quickly.
• Wear age-appropriate safety gear: Kids should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Enroll kids in swimming lessons when age and developmentally appropriate.
• Secure the pool: Know where all safety equipment is located and secure the pool when no one is around.
• Find more tips to have a safe swim summer on our Safe Swimming and Drowning Prevention page.

Keep Food Safe

• Keep your cold foods below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and don't leave them unrefrigerated for more than two hours (or less if it's above 90 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Use a food thermometer: Cook meat to safe internal temperatures. Aim for 160 degrees Fahrenheit for ground beef and 165 degrees Fahrenheit for poultry.
  • Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces often when preparing food.

Eat Healthy, In-Season Fruits and Veggies

Stay Informed on Vaccine and Health Guidance

• Check travel vaccination recommendations and requirements if you're traveling internationally. Visit the CDC's Travelers' Health page before your trip for destination-specific health notices and vaccine recommendations to discuss with your healthcare provider.
• Consider getting started early on back-to-school vaccinations: Check with your healthcare provider for their recommendations. Prepare for your appointment by visiting our Kindergarten Through 12th Grade Vaccine Requirements page.
• Consider your vaccination status for measles: Measles cases are increasing globally and it's important for all international travelers to be protected. Babies aged 6-11 months who are traveling internationally or to outbreak areas can get a dose of the MMR vaccine before travel. These children will need to finish the full vaccine schedule once they turn 12 months. Talk to your child's healthcare provider if you have any questions.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

• Pack a summer-ready emergency kit: This kit would include items such as drinkable water, non-perishable foods, first aid supplies, medications, sunscreen, EPA-approved insect repellent, and flashlights. For the full list of supplies, download an Emergency Supply Kit Checklist.
• Know the risks of your location: Wildfires, and related air quality impacts, and extreme heat events are more common in the summer months. Have a plan in place.
• Pollen, smoke, and dust can impact the air quality in the summer months. Before heading outside to work or play, visit AirNow to check the local air quality. Consider staying indoors on days when air quality is poor, especially if you or your children have conditions like asthma that make it harder to breathe.

Prevent Mosquito and Tick-borne Illnesses

• Use EPA-approved insect repellents to protect against mosquito and tick bites.
• Check your body, clothing, and pets for ticks after outdoor activities.
• Remove standing water: Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds in flowerpots, children's toys, and bird baths.

Prioritize Your Mental and Physical Health

• Take a break from your screen: Consider engaging in mindful activities and take some time for yourself.
• Spend some time outdoors: Enjoy the summer sun and get some vitamin D by exercising outside. Scenic hikes, bike rides, and swimming are fun activities that can improve your physical health.
• Stay connected: Schedule time with your family, friends, or community groups to reduce any isolation.

Wishing you a safe, healthy, and fun summer!