The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) is encouraging Hoosiers to enjoy summer activities responsibly by following guidelines to protect against common seasonal health risks. State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver highlighted the importance of prioritizing water safety, sun protection, mosquito-borne illness prevention and grilling safety.
Water safety
Drowning remains a significant concern in Indiana, especially for children ages 1-4. Between 2018 and 2023, 127 Indiana residents under 18 died from drowning. Weaver emphasized the importance of supervision and safety measures:
- Assign a responsible adult to supervise children near water.
- Wear life jackets when boating.
- Avoid distractions like phones or alcohol while supervising.
IDOH is partnering with the National Drowning Registry to better understand and prevent youth drowning fatalities. Local health departments are also implementing water safety initiatives through Health First Indiana.
Sun safety
Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke are preventable with simple precautions:
- Stay hydrated and apply sunscreen with at least 30 SPF.
- Seek shade and wear protective clothing.
- Watch for heat stroke symptoms, including confusion and loss of consciousness.
Weaver recommended seeking medical attention immediately for severe cases.
Mosquito-borne illness
West Nile virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne illness, poses another risk during summer months. Preventive measures include:
- Avoiding mosquito-prone areas during peak activity times.
- Using EPA-approved insect repellents.
- Eliminating standing water around the home.
The IDOH offers a dashboard monitoring WNV cases in mosquitoes and humans on its website.
Grill safety
To minimize risks during summer cookouts, IDOH shared Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations:
- Keep raw meat separate from other foods.
- Maintain proper refrigeration for perishable items.
- Cook meat to safe temperatures using a food thermometer.
More details about safe grilling practices are available through the CDC.
For additional health and safety information, visit the Indiana Department of Health website at www.health.in.gov. Follow IDOH on X (@StateHealthIN) and Facebook (/StateHealthIN) for updates.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
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