Healthy Summer

Spending time in our natural environment can have multiple health benefits. It can elevate our mood, lower blood pressure, and fight anxiety and depression. It can bring calm into our stressful lives. Nature’s restorative effects are available to people of all ages and fitness levels.     

Summer brings many opportunities to get outdoors, enjoy natural surroundings, and support our health. As you plan your next break, explore these resources that can help you stay healthy and safe during the summer season.

Outdoor Recreation and Safety

Missouri Tickborne Disease – view interactive maps of tickborne diseases in Missouri, common ticks that spread them, and tips for preventing exposure in the first place. Learn more before you explore the great Missouri outdoors.

• Listen to Nature - reduce stress and improve health
• Missouri State Parks - plan your visit to a state park
• State of Missouri Outdoors - find outdoor activities, services, and news
• Fish Advisory - catch, prepare, and eat healthy fish
• Missouri Tickborne Disease Story Map - learn tickborne disease prevention tips
• Harmful Algal Blooms - avoid and report blooms in lakes, ponds, and streams

Summer Weather and Sun Safety

• Hyperthermia - be safe, aware and prepared for hot weather
• Cooling Centers - find a local cooling center
• Aeroallergens - reduce exposures to pollen and mold in the air
• CDC's Heat & Health Tracker - view local heat and health information to better prepare for and respond to extreme heat events
• CDC's Melanoma Dashboard - view data on skin cancer and get preventive tips for staying safe in the sun

Healthy at Home or Away

Harvest is in Reach - explore Missouri's food access landscape, summer food and farmer’s market programs, and resources for getting outside and exploring the fresh picks of the season in your community. Resources include links to educational events and recipe inspiration. What’s for your dinner tonight?

• Carbon Monoxide - prevent carbon monoxide poisoning while vacationing, boating or grilling
• Radon - if your windows are closed this summer, it may be an ideal time to test for radon
• Storms - recover after a storm or flood
• Missouri Grown - find fresh, local and delicious Missouri-grown foods and fun
• Community Gardening - create a community garden free of environmental contaminants

Additional Resources:

• Summer Food Service Program
• Nutrition for Wellness and Prevention
• Farm to Early Care and Education
• Missouri Storm Aware

Missouri Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) is a program within the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. EPHT is part of a larger initiative to establish Environmental Public Health Tracking systems at the national and state levels.