National Summer Safety Week - May 1-7, 2013

As Minister of Health, I invite all Canadians to join me in recognizing the  Canada Safety Council's National Summer Safety Week taking place from May 1 - 7, 2013.

This year's theme, Child Injury Prevention, is one many parents across Canada can relate to. With the summer season before us, we need to be mindful of basic health and safety precautions.

Following these practical tips will help everyone enjoy all that this season has to offer:

Sun Safety- Whether you're at the beach, on a bike ride or spending time in your backyard, be sure to practice sun safety. For children, this means wearing appropriate clothing such as light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat made from breathable fabric in combination with sunscreen lotion. Proper sunglasses with UVB and UVA protection are also recommended.

Air Quality -When enjoying the outdoors, I recommend using the new  Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) which is an important public information tool that helps protect Canadians from the effects of air pollution.

Food Safety - When preparing food, follow these four quick tips on food safety: Clean hands and surfaces often with warm, soapy water; Chill food and leftovers promptly at 4°C or below; Cook food to safe internal temperatures; Separate raw meat, poultry, fish and seafood from other food in your grocery cart and refrigerator to avoid cross-contamination. These quick tips, in addition to our food safety tips for barbecuing, will help make your summer cookout a success.

Extreme Heat - Extreme heat affects the health of all Canadians, particularly infants and young children. Keeping children cool and well hydrated are just a couple of our essential five steps for extreme heat safety that can protect those in your care during very hot weather.

Playing Safe - Parents are also encouraged to take precautions to help prevent sport and other injuries.  Always supervise children and teach them to use equipment safely.  In-line skating, skateboarding and biking are popular and fun activities that can lead to serious injuries.  Wearing proper protective gear can help keep children safer.

Our government is committed to child injury prevention. For more information on how to keep your child safe, please visit injury prevention.

Following these precautions will help keep you safe in the upcoming months. From my family to yours, I wish everyone a healthy and safe summer!

The Honourable Leona Aqlukkaq
Minister of Health