Presbyterian | Summer 2019 | Your Story

7 Beware of bugs. Some mosquitoes and ticks can spread serious diseases, like West Nile virus, Zika virus, or Lyme disease. Take these precautions if you live in or travel to areas with bug-borne illnesses: Prevent mosquito and tick bites by using an insect repellent on your skin that contains DEET. But treat outdoor gear and clothing with insect repellent that contains permethrin. Always read the label to make sure you use all insect repellents correctly. ● ● Skip the shorts. Wear pants and long- sleeved shirts whenever possible. ● ● After hiking, check your clothes, hair, and skin for ticks. 3 Watch kids aroundwater. Never take your eyes off little ones near water—not even for a minute. Kids can drown in the time it takes you to answer a text message or engage in some other brief distraction. 4 Don’t swim alone. No one should swim alone, including adults. Remember that kids need close supervision even at public pools where lifeguards are on duty. 6 Keep food safe. Food poisoning can happen more easily in the summer because higher temps can make foodborne bacteria grow quickly. To help prevent foodborne illness, especially during picnics and cookouts: ● ● Never eat food that’s been left out for longer than two hours—or longer than one hour on 90-degree days. ● ● Place picnic perishables in a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs. Keeping foods at 40 degrees or below prevents bacterial growth. ● ● Don’t spread germs. When grilling, use separate utensils and dishes for raw and cooked foods. ● ● Clean fresh fruits and veggies with running tap water before putting them in the cooler or before eating. This includes produce with skin or rinds you don’t eat, like melons or mangoes. ● ● Remind everyone to wash their hands before and after handling food. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology; American College of Emergency Physicians; American Red Cross; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the whole family 5 Wear a life jacket while boating. Drowning is the cause of most boating-related deaths. www.phs.org/centennialcare 11

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