Have a healthy, active and safe summer.
Summer brings lots of healthy opportunities like farm-fresh produce, more time outdoors and relaxing staycations. Here are some ways to have a healthy, active and safe summer.
Sun and heat safety
Sun brings out the fun, but don’t let sunburns or stomach aches, illnesses or injuries throw shade on your summer.
- Sun and heat safety. How to stay safe in the sun and ways to beat the heat.
- Download extreme heat poster (Fraser Health PDF)
- Prepared BC heat guide
- The secret to safe sun. Surprising sunscreen facts to keep you and your family sun safe.
- Exercising precautions. Safe ways to stay active during hot weather.
- Window safety for children. Tips to prevent falls out of windows and balconies.
- Infographic: Window safety tips to protect kids from falls
Breathe easier
B.C. wildfires and dry weather conditions are common during the summer months resulting in poorer air quality. Reducing exposure to wildfire smoke is the best way to protect your health and those around you.
Download the wildfire smoke poster PDF for information to protect yourself and others during wildfire events or general air quality advisories.
Eat fresh, grow fresh and live fresh
Summer brings a bounty of fresh, local produce perfect for fresh everyday meals.
- Exploring summer’s local harvest. Take advantage of warmer days and in-season, locally grown produce.
- 5 ways to teach your kids food literacy this summer. Learn the skills needed to grow, choose, prepare and enjoy food.
- Refreshing ways to stay hydrated this summer. Learn the signs of dehydration and find refreshing recipes to quench your and your family’s thirst.
- Looking for yummy South Asian recipes and nutrition information? Download South Asian healthy living resources here.
- BCCDC reminder: Risk of food-borne illness increases in hot weather
- Tips for summer food safety, including:
Get outside
With warmer weather, summer is the perfect time to get outside and be more active.
- Water safety tips for boaters, waders and swimmers. Get tips to prevent drowning in pools and open water. Don’t underestimate the dangers of swimming in open water and currents. Learn more about open water safety at Canadian Red Cross.
- Learn the mental health benefits of outside play.
- Get outside! Shake up your summer with active outdoor family play.
- Vancouver Trails provides information on difficulty, distance and time to hike for trails across the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Whistler region.
Know before you go: some B.C. parks require day-use passes. - TransLink Metro Vancouver Cycling Maps. Find the safest, most convenient cycling routes in your local area.
- Find a Metro Vancouver Regional Park.
- Walk your way to health. A guide to local walking adventures for all generations.
- Unplugged. Kid-approved, off-screen activities.
- Bike safety. Tips to keep you and your family safe while biking.
Travel smart
Know before you go. Check for current road conditions and travel advisories before heading out.
- Drive BC – Find current information about highway conditions.
- TranBC – Find detailed information about highway travel disruptions during emergency situations like flooding or fire.
- BC Ferries travel advisories – Find current ferry advisories.
- Federal requirements for travel – Learn what’s required to board a flight or train in Canada.
Protect yourself from pests
Warmer summer temperatures also bring the season of bug bites and bee stings. Protect yourself and your family.
- Insect bites and stings. Information about insect bites, prevention and when to get help.
- Tick bites and diseases. How to avoid tick bites and remove them.
- Use eTick.ca to have a tick identified and tested for Lyme disease.
- Rabies. How to prevent getting rabies and spot the symptoms that require immediate treatment.
Resources
- Take precautions to avoid tick bites
- Window safety for children