Healthy Life

The barbecues are lit and the bathing suits are out.

While everyone is enjoying the warm weather, the Oswego County Health Department offers tips to ensure a safe season.

Safety precautions should always be taken while preparing food, especially during the summer months. High temperatures and humidity during the summer months create a perfect environment for foodborne germs to thrive in.

Follow these safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure that food is properly prepared and stored to protect family and friends from food poisoning: 

• Clean: Wash your hands often, especially after cooking with raw meat, poultry, seafood, flour or eggs. Clean surfaces and utensils after each food item is prepared. 
• Separate: Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs separate from other foods in the refrigerator and when grocery shopping. These items should also be prepared on a different cutting board than other foods that won’t be cooked.
• Cook: Use a food thermometer to measure the temperature that cooked foods are reaching, as color indicators are not reliable. Click on this gov chart for a list of food items and their appropriate internal temperature when cooked.
• Chill: Make sure perishable foods brought out for serving are put back in the refrigerator within two hours. When the temperature is over 90 degrees, refrigerate within one hour. Don’t thaw frozen food at room temperature, as that will allow bacteria to grow. 

If a food item has an unusual color, texture, smell or taste, then it may be spoiled and should be discarded. Being able to recognize the signs of food poisoning is also important. Symptoms include a fever over 102 degrees, bloody or frequent diarrhea, dehydration and an inability to keep liquids down due to frequent vomiting. Someone experiencing severe food poisoning should seek help from a doctor.   

Along with barbequing, swimming is another popular summer activity. The health department offers the following tips to help keep safety a priority and ensure more fun times in the water:

• Avoid swimming alone by bringing a buddy with you.
• Never leave a child unattended near water at the pool, beach or in the tub. Parents should keep an eye on their own children, even if a lifeguard is present.
• Ensure that children or inexperienced swimmers wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation device while near or in water.
• Do not overestimate swimming ability or underestimate water depth, as currents pose risks for even the strongest swimmers.
• Do not dive into unknown bodies of water. Jump feet first to avoid hitting your head on a shallow bottom.
• Never use alcohol while swimming, diving or boating.
• Always have a charged cell phone and first aid kit with you.

Residents should also practice sun safety to protect their eyes and skin. The health department recommends people wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses while outside, and to avoid being in the sun from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when the sun’s ultraviolet rays are the strongest. People should also be sure to wear sunscreen if outdoors and re-apply frequently, especially after swimming.

On especially hot days, the risk for heat stroke or other heat related illness increases. To beat the heat, drink plenty of water, take a cool shower or bath, and stay indoors in an air-conditioned place. Try to avoid liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar, as these cause the body to lose more fluid. If you must be outside on a very hot day, wear lightweight, loose fitting clothing, decrease physical activity and try to rest often in shady areas. Never leave pets or children unattended in the car, even with the windows cracked.

For more information on summer safety tips, contact the Oswego County Health Department at 315-349-3547.