The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee, Monroe, and Okeechobee counties is reminding residents and visitors of Southwest Florida to have a safe and healthy Memorial Day weekend. To ensure a healthy holiday weekend, consider these tips.
Water Safety: Unfortunately, many children drown during summer vacations each year. To avoid fatalities, it helps to recognize the basic principles of water safety and understand water hazards. Active supervision and caution when children are around water can help prevent drowning. Furthermore, fenced areas with self-closing/auto-latching gates and secure doors with alarms can help keep young children away from bodies of water.
Sun Protection: To avoid skin damage, consider the following. Seek shade when the sun is strongest (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). Wear wide clothing, and apply spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 to all exposed skin before going outdoors. Make sure you reapply every two hours after swimming or sweating. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can also provide adequate coverage.
Food Safety: Follow these tips to help prevent foodborne illness. Be sure to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat, poultry, eggs, or seafood. Also, consider separating raw foods to prevent cross-contamination. Furthermore, use a food thermometer to ensure the proper cooking temperature. Remember, dough is not safe to eat, and it is essential to refrigerate perishables within two hours.
About Collier County’s Florida Department of Health: Collier County’s Florida Department of Health is nationally accredited and works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts. Follow @HealthyCollier on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more information. For more details, visit collier.floridahealth.gov/.