8 VITALITY Summer 2023 There is no better way to stay cool, have a fun time with family and be active in hot months than water play. Enjoy the water and stay safe with these tips: Learn how to swim. You and your children must learn to swim. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in children ages 1 to 4. Supervise children. Stay alert when children are in or around water. Consider safety features such as fences, locks, pool covers and pool alarms. Use the buddy system. Bring a friend when you head into the water. Check for hazards. Be aware of your surroundings. Always keep an eye out for the weather and other potential hazards, like strong currents. Exercise caution. Follow the rules of the beach or pool. Stay within your depth and comfort level in the water, and swim in designated areas only. Wear a life jacket. Flotation devices, such as life jackets, can save lives. Do not rely on air-filled or foam toys, such as water wings, noodles or inner tubes, as these are not safety devices. Know the risks of alcohol. Drinking alcohol or taking drugs can interfere with your judgment and coordination, making swimming very risky. Learn CPR. Knowing how to perform CPR can be a lifesaving skill. Talk to a primary care provider before engaging in any water activity while taking medication for anxiety or other mental health issues. Certain medications may interfere with balance, coordination and judgment, making swimming difficult. Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. Department of Agriculture 5 tips for safer cookouts Ah, that mouthwatering aroma. That taste bud-tempting sizzle. Nothing says summertime like a cookout. Before you get the fire started, take a moment to consider a few grilling tips for food that is tasty and healthy: 1 } Pass on charring. Cooking food at higher temperatures produces chemicals linked to cancer. You can reduce these chemicals if you avoid charring and overcooking meat, fish and other food. It helps if you marinate meat, remove any visible fat, or partially microwave or bake meat before you grill it. During grilling, keep meat in the center of the grill and flip often to avoid scorching. 2 } Go lean. Instead of fatty steaks, burgers or hot dogs, try grilling leaner cuts of beef, chicken breasts or turkey burgers. Eating a lot of red meat may raise your risk of colorectal cancer. And regular consumption of processed meats is linked to colon cancer, even when eaten in small amounts. 3 } Pile on the veggies. Try grilling an array of colorful vegetables like zucchini; red, yellow and orange bell peppers; corn; asparagus; broccoli; cauliflower; eggplant; Portobello mushroom caps; and onions. Brush them lightly with olive oil and season with your favorite herbs. Try grilling fruit— such as strawberries, pineapple, peaches and mangoes—too. Let the grilling begin! Water safety 101 NEED A PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER? Go to citizensmemorial.com and click “Find a Doctor.” Under “Search by Specialty,” search for a family medicine provider.
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