Kevin Laliberte
Editor, Smoky River Express

The annual return of summer and vacation brings with it a number of useful tips for each of us to keep in mind when taking part in outdoor activities such as camping, barbecuing and spending time outside under the sun. And when Alberta’s summer weather heats up, one of the first points of consideration to contend with is the return of those pesky mosquitoes. To protect yourself and your family from West Nile virus, especially adults over the age of 50, remember to douse yourself with insect repellent containing DEET and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors at dawn and dusk – the times of the day when mosquitoes are most active. Food preparation and outdoor food safety are equally important factors for Albertans to remember during the summer, regardless of whether it’s an outdoor picnic or backyard barbecue. To safely enjoy these types of activities remember to cook all meats thoroughly to avoid any risk of illness related to E. coli (commonly known as Hamburger disease) and salmonella bacteria. The risk of contracting food poisoning can be minimized by following some simple and effective food handling tips: This includes: Washing your hands before handling food or eating and always after handling raw meats. Thawing raw meats on a plate on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator, separate from other foods. Use a clean plate for cooked meats. Cooking hamburger and chicken to an internal temperature of 74 C (165 F), or until the inside of the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear. Never partially cook meats and then finish cooking them later. Use hot soapy water to clean up counters and utensils. As an added precaution, use one teaspoon of household bleach to four cups of water to wipe up cooking preparation areas. Do not re-use a marinade after it has had contact with raw meat unless it is boiled separately before re-use. Keeping you and your family safe in the sun this summer is also something which deserves special attention. That’s because most cases of skin cancer are largely attributed to overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Some of the most common ways to combat the sun’s rays are by covering up, limiting your time in the sun, using sun screen and seeking shade. People heading away from their home this year for holidays are encouraged to shut off the water supply to their residence prior to leaving and to make sure their thermostat is set to low or off to reduce costs. You should also arrange to have a trusted friend or neighbour keep an eye on your home during your absence by watering plants, picking up the mail, cutting the lawn, picking up the mail and ensuring pets have adequate food and water. Storage sheds, garages and windows should all be locked up tight to keep potential intruders away while you’re gone. Happy and safe travels this summer, wherever they may be!

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