Summer guide: UF experts share tips for staying safe, healthy and engaged
Summer means more time outdoors, family gatherings and travel, but it also brings health and safety risks. University of Florida experts offer advice on everything from preventing dehydration and foodborne illness to avoiding tick bites and helping children stay academically engaged while school is out. They also stress the importance of knowing how to respond to emergencies, such as a knocked-out tooth, and understanding environmental health risks common during Florida summers.
Staying hydrated
Despite the popularity of electrolyte drinks, hydration powders and alkaline water, most people can stay hydrated with plain water. UF experts say drinking fluids before extended heat exposure or exercise can help prevent dehydration and heat-related illness, while moderate caffeine consumption is unlikely to cause dehydration.
Preventing tick bites
Summer outdoor activities increase the risk of exposure to ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Experts recommend using EPA-registered insect repellents, checking for ticks after spending time outdoors and watching for species such as the lone star tick, which has been linked to alpha-gal syndrome.
Avoiding the summer slide
Long school breaks can contribute to learning loss, particularly in reading and math. Education experts recommend building reading, educational games, museum visits and other learning opportunities into summer routines to help children maintain academic skills.
Barbecue safety
Hot weather can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Food safety specialists advise keeping raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods, cooking foods to recommended temperatures and refrigerating perishable foods promptly during outdoor gatherings.
Saving a tooth
A knocked-out permanent tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. UF dentists recommend handling the tooth by the crown, gently rinsing it if dirty and seeking dental care immediately. Replanting the tooth within 30 minutes offers the best chance of saving it.
Beating the heat
Florida’s high temperatures can affect both physical and mental health. UF/IFAS Extension experts recommend staying hydrated, being active during cooler parts of the day and limiting alcohol and excess sugar to reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
Understanding Vibrio vulnificus
Florida’s warm coastal waters can harbor Vibrio vulnificus, a rare but potentially life-threatening bacterium. People can become infected through open wounds exposed to seawater or by eating raw or undercooked shellfish. Experts recommend avoiding water exposure with open cuts, thoroughly cooking shellfish and seeking medical care if symptoms develop.