Healthy summer guide

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.

Make the most of summer safely — protect yourself from sunburns, stomach bugs, heat-related illnesses and injuries. A few smart choices now can keep the fun going all season long. The heat can also be dangerous, so let’s make sure we take can of each other.

• 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, especially if they are over 60 years old, are living with chronic conditions or mental health concerns such as schizophrenia or if they do not have access to air conditioning.
  • 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 rebates for air conditioning units or energy efficiency.
• If you or loved ones use substances, learn to how to be safe in the heat at Towards the Heart.
• Stay safe and learn ways to beat the heat before and during a heat event.
• Did you know that not all sunscreens are created equal? Learn what to consider to make the best choices for you and your family.
• Staying active is important for your mental and physical health, but it can be dangerous to do strenuous activity in the heat. Learn how to stay active while staying safe.
  
  • You’re active in the heat: You’re at risk (Health Canada brochure PDF)
• Get familiar with tips to prevent falls out of windows and balconies. Learn about window safety for children.
  • Infographic: Window safety tips to protect kids from falls
• Increasing heat and lower than normal water reserves.in our region may result in drought conditions. Monitor conditions in your area and learn about impacts and how you can respond.

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.
• If smoke and wildfire events affect your mental health, you can find some help from:
  • The Canadian Mental Health Association
  • Indigenous-specific or Metis-specific supports
  • Help Kids Cope (app for parents to support children)

Summer brings a bounty of fresh, local produce perfect for 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:
  • Food safety at home. Reduce your risk of food borne illness.
  • Food Safety for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (HealthLinkBC File #59b)
  • Disinfecting drinking water when you're out in nature (HealthLinkBC File #49b)
  • Home Canning – How to Avoid Botulism (HealthLinkBC File #22)

With warmer weather, summer is the perfect time to get outside and be more active.

• Water safety tips for boaters, waders and swimmers. Don’t underestimate the dangers of swimming in open water and currents. Get tips to prevent drowning in pools and open water. Learn more about open water safety at the Lifesaving Society.
• Learn the mental health benefits of outside play for children and families.
• Play in a forest or park – Try a new regional park.
• Explore a local stream – Check these beautiful watershed walks in the region.
• While enjoying nature, be aware of any camp, cooking or general fire restrictions.
• 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. Learn more about cycling safety here.

Explore the outdoors. Walk your way to health provides a guide to local walking adventures for all generations, or check out Poetry in Motion in White Rock.

• Looking to limit screen time? Learn more about screen time for children on Fraser Health’s website. Or play the bingo style Screen Aware Challenge.

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.

Measles infections have surged in many places across Canada and the US. Measles vaccination is highly protective against the disease.

• Before you travel, make sure everyone’s immunizations are up to date.
• Find a community pharmacy offering the vaccines here.
• Call to book an appointment at a Public Health Unit.
  • Telephone booking is available Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • 604-702-4906 for residents of Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Agassiz and Hope.
  • 604-476-7087 for all other areas in Fraser Health.

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.  

• Take precautions to avoid tick bites