By Allison Thompson

The weather has warmed up for the summer in Minnesota! Now we can finally go swimming, camping, biking, or take a library staycation with a book from your favorite U of MN library.

Here are a few trusted health information resources that will help you stay safe and healthy as you enjoy the sunshine, along with a few suggested summer activities taking place at the Libraries.

A day at the beach

• 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.
• Human health at the beach (EPA): Learn what affects human health at the beach to avoid beach-related illnesses and how to stay safe with these tips.

Going camping

• Insect bites and bee stings (MedlinePlus) and tick bites (CDC): Outdoor excursions can lead to run-ins with insects and ticks. Prepare yourself for bites and stings with these handy guides.
• 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.
• First Aid (MedlinePlus): In case your adventure gets a little too adventurous, look here for first aid tips, such as important supplies to bring along in your first aid kit.
• Severe weather (Ready.gov): Severe weather can always strike anytime, anywhere. Know your risk and be prepared in case the weather takes a turn for the worst during your trip or at home with these tips and resources.

Staying healthy on the move

• 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.
• Bicycle safety (MedlinePlus): Our fair state features many fantastic bike trails! Learn how to keep yourself safe and prevent head injuries with this guide. Remember that Boynton provides discounted Bicycle helmets and headlights for all U of MN students, staff and faculty.
• Sports injuries (MedlinePlus): If you love playing outdoor sports, bookmark this guide to help you understand common sports injuries – from tennis elbow to concussion.

Staycations at the Libraries #GopherSummer

• Take this year’s summer reading challenge: Read Periodic-ly this Summer! Summer is a great time to catch up on reading, and you can enter to win a prize by completing one of the two fun challenge options 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 10th, 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.
• If you want to get your hands dirty,  Gardening toolkits are available for checkout from the Magrath Library on the St. Paul campus. Each kit has ergonomic hand tools, optional watering cans and kneeling pads, and a book on square foot gardening.
• Beat the heat by coming inside to explore our tech-enabled spaces. Our Makerspace will be open 10:00AM-4:00PM every Friday this summer. It 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.
• For more air-conditioned indoor fun,  check out the Secret Lives of Books exhibit in the Wangensteen Historical Library.
• Want to document your summer fun? Digital cameras and other multimedia equipment can be borrowed from the SMART Learning Commons – with locations in Magrath Library, Walter Library, and Wilson Library.

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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.