PAGASA announced towards the end of March that the country’s hot dry season, often called summer, is here. As the song goes by, “Here comes the sun, and I say, it's all right”, summer is a time to recharge and relax after strenuous months of hurdling and sitting in the office, attending virtual meetings or classes in the new normal set-up brought by the pandemic.

Authorities continue to advise people to stay at home over traveling, since it increases your chances of contracting or spreading the virus.

What’s safe and not when it comes to enjoying summer during COVID-19? Here are the things to consider as summer hits during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of fluid. Double the recommended 8 glasses of water a day especially if you are spending more time outdoors and are engaged in strenuous activities.
• Encourage to have a healthier alternative for summer delights by maximizing the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables such as cucumber, watermelon, turnip, tomatoes, cauliflower, cantaloupe, and broccoli. For example, sweetened fruits in your halo-halo can be replaced by natural fruits such as mango, banana, melon or shaved buko.
• Lessen spicy foods due to the thermal effects of the body which results in excessive perspiration & loss of fluids & electrolytes.
• Do exercise at least 30 minutes a day. However, you need to take extra caution in doing vigorous exercises during this season. Vigorous intensity workouts and routines during the summer may cause headache, heat stress, strokes, nausea, or dehydration.
• Protect the skin by using lotion with SPF at least 30 and apply 15-20 minutes before stepping out of the house. You may take a bath with lukewarm water to let skin pores open which cools down the body temperature.
• Opt for movies at home, books to read, stay connected with friends online, or go for an indoor pool this summer.
• Remember the four Ws in going outside: Wear a face mask and face shield, wash or sanitize hand, watch distance and wipe down surfaces. If you plan to travel, do your research on restrictions and make sure you follow both state and local guidelines.
• Lastly, make the best, and most of it. You may spend money on vacations or leisure travel to have fun this summer but safely spending time with your loved ones by staying at home or connecting with them online can be our action to fight against the pandemic, plus the observance of minimum health protocols.

In line with the summer season, foodborne illness is also a threat to human health. Warm, humid temperatures invite harmful bacteria to penetrate and thrive. The danger zone is between 4-60°C when bacteria can double in number in about 20 minutes, and even faster between 32-38°C. Cross-contamination is common when food is not handled properly.

Food safety is a must at all times. To prevent foodborne illnesses, first, wash hands before and after preparing food, and eating. In the middle of this pandemic, we are advised to frequently wash our hands with soap and water. This can likewise help counter foodborne illnesses. Follow the four simple steps to prevent foodborne illnesses – clean, separate, cook and chill. Hygienic practices must be observed in preparing, cooking, packing, and storing food. It is advisable to not immediately cover steaming hot cooked food to prevent spoilage. Cook dishes well, especially frozen cuts of meat. Thaw frozen foods under running water or submerge in a bowl with water, in microwave or as a part of cooking process. Practice separation of cooked and uncooked foods. Store separately vegetables from meat, fish, and poultry.

The key is knowing what’s safe and taking the recommended steps to reduce risk while you enjoy the summer season. In the end, we should live in the new normal with utmost caution to our health. (NO I Vazamija Therese A. Villasi, RND)

References:

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (n.d.). Tips for a Healthy Summer Picnic. Retrieved on 4 April 2021 from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-summer-picnic-tips/

Parry, M. (8 July 2020). 7 Ways to Enjoy Summer Safely During COVID-19. Retrieved on 3 April 2021 from https://www.stamfordhealth.org/healthflash-blog/infectious-disease/enjoy-summer-safely-covid-19/

Radyo mo sa Nutrisyon. (28 April 2018). Episode 45 “Nutritious summer”. Retrieved 4 April 2021 from https://www.facebook.com/radyomosanutrisyon/posts/1895270810482995