Have a healthy, active and safe summer.
Summer brings lots of healthy opportunities like farm-fresh produce, more time outdoors and relaxing staycations. Here are some ways to have a healthy, active and safe summer.
Sun and heat safety
Sun brings out the fun, but don’t let sunburns or stomach aches, illnesses or injuries throw shade on your summer. The heat can also be dangerous, so let’s make sure we take can of each other.
- Sun and heat safety. How to stay safe in the sun and ways to beat the heat before and during a heat event:
- Download extreme heat poster (Fraser Health PDF), share it with friends and neighbours or post it in common areas at work or in your building.
- Set up a buddy system or a regular check-in with your family or neighbours when the heat gets dangerous.
- Check out the Health checks during extreme heat events to learn more.
- Organize your building to check-in on others for a more resilient neighbourhood.
- Set up a plan for your home with the Prepared BC heat guide.
- Invest in an air conditioner or see if you may be eligible for a rebated or free unit.
- If you or loved ones use substances, learn to how to be safe in the heat at Towards the Heart.
- Learn the secret to safe sun. Surprising sunscreen facts to keep you and your family sun safe.
- Take exercising precautions. Safe ways to stay active during hot weather.
- Prepared BC heat guide
- Get familiar with tips to prevent falls out of windows and balconies. Window safety for children.
Breathe easier
B.C. wildfires and dry weather conditions are common during the summer months resulting in poorer air quality. Reducing exposure to wildfire smoke is the best way to protect your health and those around you.
- Download the wildfire smoke poster PDF for information to protect yourself and others during wildfire events or general air quality advisories.
- Check for air quality advisories and Smoky Skies Bulletins.
- Learn how to prepare in advance to protect yourself and others during smoky or general air quality advisories periods.
- Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) often to see if or how to change your outdoor activities. Even low and moderate levels of wildfire smoke can affect health.
- Use an air cleaner when it’s smoky – learn how to choose a portable air cleaner or make your own effective Do-it-yourself air cleaner.
Eat fresh, grow fresh and live fresh
Summer brings a bounty of fresh, local produce perfect for fresh everyday meals.
- Exploring summer’s local harvest. Take advantage of warmer days and in-season, locally grown produce.
- 5 ways to teach your kids food literacy this summer. Learn the skills needed to grow, choose, prepare and enjoy food.
- Refreshing ways to stay hydrated this summer. Learn the signs of dehydration and find refreshing recipes to quench your and your family’s thirst.
- Looking for yummy South Asian recipes and nutrition information? Download South Asian healthy living resources here.
- Your Health This Summer
- Tips for summer food safety, including:
Get outside
With warmer weather, summer is the perfect time to get outside and be more active.
- Water safety tips for boaters, waders and swimmers. Get tips to prevent drowning in pools and open water. Don’t underestimate the dangers of swimming in open water and currents. Learn more about open water safety at Canadian Red Cross.
- Learn the mental health benefits of outside play.
- Play in a forest or park – Try a new regional park every day for a week. Find a Regional Park | Metro Vancouver
- Explore a local stream – Check these beautiful watershed walks in the region. Watershed Tours | Metro Vancouver
- Skate on rollerblades – Try it on the Stanley Park Sea Wall or inline skating track.
- There are plenty to choose from in our region, from Coquitlam to Delta.
- Vancouver Trails provides information on difficulty, distance and time to hike for trails across the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Whistler region.
Know before you go: some B.C. parks require day-use passes. - TransLink Metro Vancouver Cycling Maps. Find the safest, most convenient cycling routes in your local area.
- Find a Metro Vancouver Regional Park.
- Walk your way to health. A guide to local walking adventures for all generations.
- Poetry in Motion in White Rock for planning a walk.
- Unplugged. Kid-approved, off-screen activities.
- Bike safety. Tips to keep you and your family safe while biking.
Travel smart
Know before you go. Check for current road conditions and travel advisories before heading out.
- Drive BC – Find current information about highway conditions.
- TranBC – Find detailed information about highway travel disruptions during emergency situations like flooding or fire.
- BC Ferries travel advisories – Find current ferry advisories.
- Federal requirements for travel – Learn what’s required to board a flight or train in Canada.
Protect yourself from pests
Warmer summer temperatures also bring the season of bug bites and bee stings. Protect yourself and your family.
- Insect bites and stings. Information about insect bites, prevention and when to get help.
- Tick bites and diseases. How to avoid tick bites and remove them.
- Use eTick.ca to have a tick identified and tested for Lyme disease.
- Rabies. How to prevent getting rabies and spot the symptoms that require immediate treatment.
Resources
- Take precautions to avoid tick bites
- Window safety for children