Healthy Celebrations: Canada Day Edition

Every year, on the 1st of July, Canadians nationwide celebrate the birth of their country in a day filled with fireworks, parades, concerts, barbecues, and other public events. As vibrant and joyful as these celebrations are, they can also bring about a variety of health concerns that can disrupt the merriment. This Canada Day, let’s focus on celebrating in a healthy and safe way.

Sun Exposure and Dehydration

On a sunny July day, the risk of sunburn and dehydration is significant. Prolonged exposure to the sun without appropriate protection can lead to painful burns, heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke. In addition, outdoor activities can cause you to lose more water through sweat, potentially leading to dehydration.

Healthy Celebration Tips:

• Remember to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and reapply it every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.
• Wear light, loose clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses to provide additional protection.
• Keep hydrated by drinking water regularly throughout the day. Avoid excessive alcohol as it can dehydrate you faster.
• Seek shade whenever possible, especially between 11 am and 3 pm when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest.

Food Safety Concerns

Canada Day is often marked by outdoor barbecues and potluck picnics. These events can lead to potential food safety issues, such as foodborne illnesses, if food is not handled or stored properly.

Healthy Celebration Tips:

• Keep raw and cooked foods separate to avoid cross-contamination.
• Ensure all food is cooked to the proper temperature to kill harmful bacteria.
• Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. Avoid leaving food in the “danger zone” (between 4°C and 60°C) for more than two hours.
• Wash your hands frequently, especially before and after handling food.

Alcohol-Related Issues

For many, Canada Day celebrations may include consuming alcoholic beverages. Overconsumption of alcohol can lead to a variety of health risks, including alcohol poisoning, risky behaviours, and hangovers.

Healthy Celebration Tips:

• If you choose to drink, do so responsibly. Follow Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines, which suggest no more than two drinks a day for women and three for men.
• Consider non-alcoholic beverages or mocktails as an alternative.
• Never drink and drive. Always assign a designated driver, or arrange for a taxi or ride-share service.

Fireworks Safety

Fireworks are a Canada Day tradition, but they can be dangerous if not handled correctly, leading to burns, injuries, or even fires.

Healthy Celebration Tips:

• Leave the fireworks to the professionals. Attend public firework displays instead of doing them at home.
• If fireworks are legal in your area and you choose to use them, ensure they are used in a safe, open space away from people, houses, and flammable materials.
• Always have water or a fire extinguisher nearby when using fireworks.
• Never allow children to handle or light fireworks.

While Canada Day is a time for nationwide celebration, it’s important to prioritize health and safety to truly enjoy the festivities. By being mindful of certain risks, we can ensure a healthy and joyful Canada Day for everyone.