ALLENTOWN, Pa. – At Cedar Beach Park in Allentown Hannah Anderson is painting smiling faces.
Anderson and her two kids are regulars here.
She says she takes extra care to keep them healthy.
“They stay active. I feed them good food,” said Anderson.
Hannah says she also makes sure her kids get plenty of fresh air and playtime with other kids.
“There’s definitely a lot of summer infectious diseases that we have to be wary about,” said Dr. Amy Slenker, Chief of Infectious Diseases Division at Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health.
Slenker says there are three big summer illnesses parents should be aware of, including tick and mosquito borne illnesses like Lime Disease and West Nile virus.
“Using a really good insect repellent that’s deep containing at least 35% or more and then doing a cautious tick check when you come back in,” said Slenker.
Slenker says parents should also be wary of stomach illnesses related to food preparation and storage during the summer months.
And that even though its warm, viruses are making the rounds.
Something girl dad Juan Perez says he is vigilant about.
“A lot of hand sanitizer, whether it’s Purell or the spray stuff you get at the dollar store. Make sure their hands are always clean. We do visit the restroom, make sure they wash in 20 seconds,” said Perez.
Anderson says she also makes sure her kids drink plenty of fluids.
“It’s important to keep them hydrated, because it’s hot out here,” said Anderson.
Health experts say that’s good news, as hydration helps the body rid itself of toxins and boosts the immune system.