By Leigh Stutler

Summer is finally upon us in Minnesota! We encourage you all to go outside and enjoy the sunshine, and we hope you stay safe and healthy as you do so!

Here are some trusted health information resources that will help you get outdoors without getting sick.

• Sun protection (MedlinePlus): The sun’s rays can cause permanent skin damage, even on cool or cloudy days. Learn how to protect yourself and your skin with these helpful tips.
• Recreational water safety (MedlinePlus): Whichever of our 10,000 lakes you visit, stay safe on the water! This guide has pointers for having safe, responsible fun while swimming, boating, or diving.
• Firework safety (Consumer Product Safety Commission): Sparklers and bottle rockets are lots of fun in the summer, but it’s important to exercise caution — firework injuries account for more than 10,000 ER visits each year. Check out this guide for tips on staying safe.
• Heat-related illness (CDC): Make sure not to overdo it while exercising outdoors in hot weather — heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both serious conditions that can require medical attention. Learn to recognize the signs of heat-related illness — and read tips on staying cool and hydrated.
• Outdoor food safety (USDA): Summer picnics, cookouts, and other outdoor meals are a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s important to be mindful of food safety so that no one gets sick! Check out this website to learn how to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
• Alcohol consumption (NIH): The above risks can be heightened when mixing outdoor recreation with alcoholic beverages. Drinking impairs your physical and cognitive abilities, and it can also lower your inhibitions, which may cause you to disregard safety precautions. Take a look at this guide to help you remember to stay safe.

Stay cool with the Libraries this summer

• Take the Summer Reading Mixtape Challenge! Summer is a great time to catch up on reading, and you can enter to win a prize by reading 10 books and submitting your completed form online or to any campus library.
• Visit the Pop-Up Library at the University of Minnesota Farmers Market! Beginning July 11th, we’ll be out on Gateway Plaza every Wednesday alongside local farmers selling fresh produce. Stop by to check out books from our popular reading collection and hear more about our services.
• Beat the heat by coming inside to explore our tech-enabled spaces. Our Makerspace features a 3D-printer, vinyl cutter, sewing machine, virtual reality, and much more! We also have a 1:Button studio where you can record a presentation, practice a speech or even create a health-promoting PSA.

Disclaimer

Never disregard your health care providers’ advice or treatment because of something found online. Information provided here is not intended to be used as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content is for general information purposes only. You should review all information from these and other sources with your healthcare provider. Boynton Health clinics are open to U of M faculty, staff, and students.