Summer is finally here! We hope you make the most of these warm, sunny days! Stay healthy and safe as you enjoy lake time, s’mores and the great outdoors by following our Top 6 Tips for a Super Summer!
1. Block the Blaze – Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15+ (daily use) or 30+ (active use) 30 minutes before you go outside. Be sure to reapply after two hours, or earlier if you are swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Most water resistant sunscreens are effective for up to 40 minutes in the water, while very water resistant sunscreens remain effective for up to 80 minutes in the water. Water resistance is specified on your sunscreen label. Also, sunscreen does expire; be sure to check the label before use. Learn more about sunscreen, why you need it and how it works.
Hats, sunglasses, and shade can also help you stay safe in the sun!
2. Swim Safe – Always supervise children when they are around water, never swim alone, and avoid diving or jumping into water when you can’t see through or are unsure of the depth.
3. Prevent Bug Bites – Protect yourself and your family from tick and mosquito bites by using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered repellents that contain one of the following active ingredients:
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- DEET
- Picardidin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)
- IR3535
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
- Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
- 2-undecanone
*Find an insect repellent that’s right for you by using the EPA’s search tool.
Follow safety label instructions, especially when using repellents on young children. Not all repellents are recommended for children and most have special application instructions to ensure safe and effective use.
4. Boat Safely – Wear a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket on any watercraft vessel or vehicle. Always check the weather beforehand, avoid overloading your boat with people or equipment, and follow your boat’s capacity restriction. Be watchful of other boaters, swimmers, and hazards around the lake.
5. Avoid Foodborne Illness – Wash your hands with soap and water before and after preparing food. Always separate raw and cooked food to avoid cross-contamination. Use a food thermometer to ensure meat is cooked hot enough to kill harmful germs. In addition, meat, poultry, seafood and dairy products should be refrigerated until ready to prepare and serve.
6. Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine – All Minnesotans 12 years of age and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Fill out our online vaccine form, and we will contact you to schedule an appointment. Or, call us at 507-794-8453.