Dr Bryan Betty: Health tips for the summer

Saturday Morning with Jack Tame

Sun:

• Great for outdoors - improves mood, gives us vitamin D for bone health.
• Too much sun is our biggest danger: sunburn. We have a harsh sun with lots of UV light.
• Easy to cause sunburn which sets us up for skin cancer later in life. NZ has one of the highest melanoma rates in the world.
• Think protection: sunblock, loose long sleeves, hats, children rash tops at beach. A cloudy daywon’tprotect you.
• Avoid getting burnt!

Water Quality when swimming:

• Rivers, lakes, and beaches are great in summer. However hidden risk we don’t think about: contaminated water.
• This can give us tummy bugs and the dreaded vomiting and diarrhea.
• Key things to watch for:
• Generally, avoid swimming after very heavy rain: contaminated with stormwater, sewage overflow.
• Look out for signs - if it says don’t swim – don’t! – Risk of contamination is high!
• Watch out for strange smells – don’t go in,
• Discoloration sign be sign of run off.
• Avoid pipes and culverts.

Food

• Keep food safe over summer, especially in the heat.
• The four C’s: clean, cook, cover and chill
• Harmful bacteria live in such as salmonella live in food that is not handled properly
• Keep your hands and surfaces clean, rinse fruit and vegetables
• Chicken isa big problem: separate chopping board, separate knife, wash hands after handling, cook right through.
• Keep cooked food chilled between 2 and 4 degrees.
• Keep food covered away from flies and bugs.
• Overall have a good time and stay safe!

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