The long days of summer means more time enjoying outdoors with family and friends.
Although it’s a fun time of the year, it can also be dangerous. Here are some
tips to help make your summer a season to remember.
Food safety. Keep your picnic foods chilled in a cooler filled
with ice or frozen gel packs. The summer heat can lead to food-related illnesses.
Don’t leave food out all day, even though it’s under a shaded tent or
tree. When preparing food, keep raw meat separate from cooked foods and raw fruits
and vegetables. Wash cutting boards and knives with hot water and soap to avoid
cross contamination.
Sun protection. About 180 new cases of melanoma of the skin are
diagnosed in Hawai‘i each year. To reduce your risk of skin cancer due to
sun exposure, avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when ultraviolet
(UV) rays are at their peak. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, pants,
and UV-protective sunglasses. Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of
at least 15 and reapply every couple of hours. Beware of cloudy days; you can still
get burned.
Hiking. Most hiking accidents happen when hikers wander off the
trail and disobey warning signs. Trails are designated for public use and are maintained
for your safety, so stay on the path. If you’re hiking into unfamiliar territory,
read about the trail in books or online before going out. If possible, don’t
hike alone; if you do, tell someone where you’re going and take a cell phone
in case of an emergency. Take enough water and snacks such as fruits and granola
bars to avoid dehydration and exhaustion.