Tips for a Safe and Healthy Summer

Whether you’re travelling overseas, planning a staycation or working a summer job, it’s a wise time to think about how you can keep safe and healthy during the holiday season!

Check out our top summer tips below:

• Protect yourself from the sun – Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in New Zealand with over 350 Kiwis dying from it each year.  Protect yourself by slapping on sunscreen, making sure to reapply every couple of hours. Also cover up as much as possible with long sleeves, pants and a hat. Plus don’t forget to protect your eyes with a pair of sunglasses!
• Keep active – The holiday season calls for endless amounts of festive food and basically relaxing all day long. Nevertheless, it’s important to continue exercising and moving your body daily in order to keep your physical and mental health up.
• Stay hydrated – Water is the best form of fluid for hydrating your body. On average, an adult should drink at least 1.5-2L of water a day. Consider adding slices of lemon or cucumber to your jug of water for a more refreshing taste!
• Get enough sleep – If you’re working a summer job (particularly shift work) you may be prone to feeling more fatigued than usual. Fatigue is a state of physical and/or mental exhaustion which reduces a person’s ability to perform work safely and effectively. It is recommended that adults should get at least 7 hours of sleep to function at their best and prevent any accidents from occurring.
• Stay up to date on vaccines – Make sure all your vaccines are up-to-date to protect yourself against serious diseases such as measles, mumps and rubella – especially if you’re travelling overseas. Visit your local GP to find out whether you need to catch up on vaccines you may have missed.

Summer is the perfect time to have a break from your daily work routine and enjoy the great outdoors. However, it’s crucial for you to take simple precautions in safeguarding your wellbeing.

Click here for more top tips to ensure you have a safe and healthy summer. Happy holidays!