We are excited to announce Wabasha County Public Health Spotlight, a monthly newspaper column that is debuting in July. Public Health will be contributing articles about health-related subjects, wellness tips, details on the programs available in Wabasha County and much more! Our objectives are to raise awareness of services and resources that can assist Wabasha County citizens as well as provide information on health-related topics that will benefit the people of our community.
For this first spotlight, I want to share some information from the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Healthy Schools page on how to help kids learn new skills to be healthy during the summer. Engaging in enjoyable and healthy summer activities can aid children in becoming emotionally, physically, and mentally ready for the next school year. CDC suggests setting summer goals for your child like eating fruits and vegetables with each meal, eating less sugar and practice making healthy food choices as a family. Our Wabasha County Farmers Markets are buzzing with vendors offering fresh produce at affordable prices. A family trip to the market to let kids choose a new vegetable to try with your dinner will expand taste buds and open up new options for your meal rotation.
A beautiful summer evening is the perfect time for enjoying some safe outdoor family fun. Take a bike ride, spend some time at the swimming pool or the splash pad when temperatures rise and stay hydrated. Plan ahead for your activities so you are sure to have what you need to make the most of your adventure. If you are out during the day, pack and use sunscreen to protect your skin from the damaging UV rays from the sun. Wear high visibility clothing and a bike helmet if you are enjoying a bike ride. Always stay weather aware when participating in outdoor activities. Summer in Minnesota is short but oh-so-sweet. Here is hoping your summer is full of joy, laughter and great memories!
CDC-Help Kids Learn New Skills to Be Healthy During the Summer. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/features/healthysummer.htm. Accessed 31 May 2024.
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