Grace Cottage Hospital’s Summer Safety Tips

Healthy Hints
From Grace Cottage’s Laboratory Staff

• Don’t drink water from that pristine-looking forest stream, and try not to swallow water when you’re in the swimming pool. The parasite giardia is recognized as one of the most common causes of non-bacterial diarrhea in the U.S. and can be present in any water source where there may be human or animal fecal contamination.
• Remember that you can pick up poison ivy and poison sumac just by petting your dog or cat if they’ve been walking through it and have the oils on their fur. Try to keep your pets away from these plants.
• To minimize your chances of getting a tick bite, wear long pants and keep them tucked inside your socks when walking in the woods or in tall grass.
• Remember to watch your diet during the summer months. You know that your doctor will send you for a cholesterol check eventually, so load up on fruit salad instead of potato salad!

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