CDC Offers Summer Safety Tips From Harlem To Hollywood

The agency wants consumers to be aware of seasonal risks

With the temperatures rising and school nearing its end, many folks in Harlem will be getting ready for vacations, time spent by the pool, and tons more downtime.

While summer is an exciting time of year — especially for kids — it also comes with its own set of concerns for consumers, and the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) wants to ensure that everyone has a fun, safe summer vacation.

“Summer is a great time to travel and enjoy the great outdoors, but it’s important to take simple, commonsense precautions,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat, CDC Principal Deputy Director. “From information about travel vaccinations to tips to prevent insect bites, CDC provides resources to help keep your loved ones healthy and safe.”

What to know

The CDC covered eight major topics for consumers to be aware of as summer gets set to kick off. To see the full list, and even more resources from the CDC, click here.

Swimming Safety

Swimming is a great way to keep kids occupied and active. While it’s a great way to beat the heat, the CDC is warning consumers about the dangers of pool chemicals. Though intended to keep pools clean and free of germs, they can have some unintended consequences and pose a danger to consumers. You can access the CDC’s thorough compilation of pool safety tips here.

Insect Protection

With cases of Lyme disease on the rise, the CDC is warning consumers about insect bites. Carrying bug spray — and reapplying as needed — is crucial to staying free of unwanted bug bites. The agency encourages consumers to find the repellent that’s right for them and is backed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Vaccines

As the measles outbreak continues to rage on, it’s more important than ever for consumers to stay up to date on their vaccines — and more than just measles! The CDC offers several resources for parents to see not only how vaccines work, but also where their children can get vaccinated and what vaccines they need.

Heat Safety

The heat is an ever-present part of the summer, and protecting against sunburn is imperative for consumers of all ages. Applying sunblock and wearing protective clothing is crucial to avoid painful sunburn.

The CDC encourages consumers to stay hydrated and cool when they know they’ll be out in the heat for extended periods of time. You can access the agency’s resources on how outdoor workers can beat the heat and stay protected against the sun’s rays this summer.

Travel Abroad Safely

Vaccines are imperative for consumers traveling abroad this summer, and the CDC has provided a  Vaccine Information Statement so consumers can check out which countries are experiencing measles outbreaks prior to travel.

Equally as important, the agency wants consumers to be aware of any potential risks to health or safety, including clean drinking water or animal illnesses. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of State issued updated travel alerts for consumers traveling abroad.

Young Worker Safety & Health

To help prevent injuries or accidents for young workers this summer, the CDC encourages all consumers between the ages of 15-24 — the age group most likely to experience a job-related injury — to utilize My Safe Summer Job.

The website has a wealth of resources for young workers — and their parents — to learn about prevention measures for young people to stay safe on the job this summer.

Children’s Health & Safety

Parents are always looking for ways to keep their kids entertained during summer break while keeping them active and not glued to a screen. With the bike-riding season underway, the agency is advising consumers to take necessary safety measures while pedaling around.

While parents have been found to be rather lenient with helmets, the CDC recommends all children wear properly fitting helmets. Moreover, the agency cautions parents to buckle their children up properly during any trips in the car.

Food safety

Warmer weather means more consumers are firing up the grill, and the CDC has tips on how to do so safely. The agency warns that warmer temperatures tend to lead to more cases of food poisoning, so it’s crucial for consumers to protect themselves.