For fast launch: July 1, 2022 (22-096)
Contact: DOH Communications
OLYMPIA — As many put together for Fourth of July gatherings and summer season outings, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) needs to remind people to remain wholesome and have fun safely.
“Have a safe summer. Be aware of hazards and take precautions to protect yourself and those around you,” mentioned Umair A. Shah MD, MPH, Secretary of Health. “A little planning can make a big difference.”
Some straightforward methods to arrange for a protected and wholesome summer season embrace:
- Practice water security. Always supervise younger youngsters enjoying in or close to the water. Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket that matches you when swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, or boating. Remember that even water that appears heat on the floor can result in chilly water shock that may incapacitate good swimmers.
- Learn tips on how to beat the warmth and keep away from heat-related well being issues. Never go away any particular person or pet in a parked automobile. Drink loads of fluids and keep in air-conditioned areas when potential. Wear light-weight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes, and keep away from being outdoors throughout the hottest components of the day. Use excessive SPF sunblock, even when the sky is cloudy or overcast. Check in on household, associates and neighbors who’re aged or could need assistance, and ensure pets have entry to water and safety from the warmth.
- Follow meals security tips and bear in mind to clean your palms. Protect your loved ones and associates from foodborne diseases. Wash your palms with cleaning soap and sanitize all cooking and consuming surfaces. Keep scorching meals cold and warm meals chilly, cook dinner meals to protected inner temperatures, and put meals away after not more than two hours at room temperature. Report any foodborne diseases to your native well being division.
- Prevent fireworks injuries. Watch fireworks shows from a protected distance. Always have an grownup supervise fireworks actions and don’t enable younger youngsters to play with or ignite fireworks. Call 911 instantly if somebody is injured.
- For a non-serious damage or sickness, take into account visiting your major care supplier or an urgent care clinic when you want medical consideration. Going to the emergency division just for true emergencies will help cut back the influence on our hospitals throughout busy occasions like holidays.
- Keep defending your self and others from COVID-19. Ensure you’re updated on vaccinations and boosters. Wear a masks in crowded areas and whereas touring. Take a COVID-19 take a look at when you really feel sick, have been in touch with somebody with COVID-19, or are planning to attend an occasion or journey. If you take a look at constructive, keep house to assist shield your neighborhood.
By taking steps to arrange, we will all do our half to assist maintain our communities protected throughout the vacation weekend and past.
The DOH web site is your supply for a wholesome dose of data. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for the DOH weblog, Public Health Connection.
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