Tips to have a happy healthy summer
As it's starting to get warmer, there's lots of opportunities for us to get outside. We've got some top tips on keeping you and your loved ones healthy while enjoying the outdoors.
Be tick aware
In grassy or wooded areas, including your local park or garden, there may be ticks. Ticks are tiny spider-like creatures which can be found throughout the year but are most active between spring and summer.
Ticks generally attach to animals as they brush past them, but can sometimes bite humans. Walking on clearly defined paths to avoid brushing against vegetation, using insect repellent, wearing light coloured clothes can all help reduce the chance of getting a tick bite.
Find out more about how to remove ticks and what to do if you feel unwell on the Healthy Surrey staying safe and well in web page.
Fun on the farm
Farm animals can be a source of infections such as E.coli and Cryptosporidium, so take some simple steps to stay safe and avoid infections.
Supervise children carefully, and avoid fingers in mouths while petting animals. When you've finished saying hi to the animals, make sure you wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before eating and drinking (hand gels/wipes are not a substitute). Eat and drink in designated areas. When you're ready to go home, clean soiled shoes and pushchair wheels before taking them back inside your house.
Staying safe in the sun
We all enjoy being out on a warm day, but it's important to protect yourself and your family from the sun as experiencing severe sunburn, particularly in childhood, increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Follow the NHS sun safety tips web page.
- cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses
- take extra care with children
- use at least factor 30 sunscreen and check the expiry date
Food safety
Nobody wants an upset stomach from badly prepared or cooked food. Stay healthy and safe by following the Food Standards Agency advice on food safety and hygiene which has information for preparing and cooking food at home, buying and eating food, food poisoning and food safety advice.