Take steps to stay healthy this summer

Summer is just getting under way, and with it comes many opportunities to keep ourselves and our families healthy and safe. Summer carries risks related to warmer temperatures and exposure to sun, as well as animal-borne threats such as rabies and West Nile virus. Some concerns, such as food borne illness, take center stage in the summer, when cooking and eating outside are more prevalent.Here’s the good news: All you need is some information and prevention efforts to stay healthy and safe.Rabies: In recent months, the Health Department has been focusing on the rabies epidemic among skunks in Colorado, and that concern continues to grow. As of May 12, Colorado had reported 42 rabid wild animals, mostly skunks, and of those, four were in El Paso County. This resurgence of rabies among skunks is concerning because rabies almost always is fatal when symptoms begin – for animals and people. The best protection is to vaccinate pets and livestock through a licensed veterinarian.West Nile virus: Early June usually is when mosquitoes start to be a problem, depending on whether there has been enough rain to provide pools of standing water for mosquito reproduction. This year, like last year, the Health Department will not collect and test mosquitoes or dead birds because of budgetary restrictions. We will, however, continue to monitor West Nile virus cases in human populations and empower you with information about protection.With West Nile virus, prevention is vital. For horse owners, that means vaccinating your horses against West Nile virus through a licensed veterinarian.To protect people, be sure to practice the four D’s:

• Drain: Drain water from flower pots, wheelbarrows, bird baths, clogged gutters and anywhere water collects and becomes stagnant.
• Dawn/dusk: Try to limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Dress: Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants to prevent mosquito bites, if possible, when outdoors.
• Deet: Use a mosquito repellant with Deet.

The sun and skin cancer: Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer – one in five Americans will develop skin cancer some time in their lives. Yet, skin cancer is the most preventable form of cancer. For prevention, the American Cancer Society’s slogan is “Slip, Slop, Slap:” Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen (at least SPF 15) and slap on a hat. Also, try to avoid the sun during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Protect your eyes with sunglasses.Dining outdoors: When grilling food, use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meat and poultry are cooked thoroughly. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, put cooked meat on a clean platter rather than back on the one that held the raw meat to avoid cross-contamination. Whether grilling out in the backyard or in the park, always keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. When finished eating, refrigerate leftovers promptly.Recreational waterborne illnesses: Pools, spas and lakes can contain bacteria, viruses and parasites that cause illness. The most common is cryptosporidium, which is resistant to chlorine and causes the majority of waterborne illness outbreaks in the United States. To prevent illness, don’t let family members swim when they have diarrhea. Always shower with your swimwear on before and after swimming to remove germs. Wash hands thoroughly after using the bathroom or changing diapers. Don’t let pool or spa water get into your mouth.Don’t leave kids, pets or anyone in a vehicle: It’s so tempting to just leave a sleeping child or pet in the car for a minute while running errands. Even when outside temperatures seem mild, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise quickly. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to heat stroke and possibly death. Never leave a child unattended in a motor vehicle, regardless of weather, even if the windows are down. Children should be supervised at all times.For more helpful prevention tips, visit www.elpasocountyhealth.org.