The View From The Mayor... Summer Safety

Sunburn can often put a damper on summer-fun activities.

Over 700,000 new cases of skin cancer are found each year. To avoid sunburn, be sure to apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. It should even be worn on cloudy days. Sunglasses and hats are a good way to reduce the amount of sun exposure to the face and eyes. While in the sun or spending long periods of time outside, you should remember to drink lots of fluids to keep hydrated and avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Summer often brings mosquitoes, bees and other insects and is a time when poison ivy, oak and sumac are in full bloom. About 63 cases of the West Nile Virus were confirmed in 1999 and taking steps to avoid the virus is important now more than ever. In order to stay bite or itch free, you should wear insect repellent and be aware of plants that are poisonous.

If you like to travel along nature trails or in wooded areas, be sure to keep an eye out for ticks and wear light colored clothing to decrease your chances of being bitten.

Be safe, have fun and enjoy Cherry Hill`s great outdoors.

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