How To Have A Healthy Summer
The summer is a time of rest, excitement and fun for many of us. However, summer also carries with it several hazards which can affect our health if we do not take some simple precautions.
As summer arrives with gorgeous sunny days and warm weather, it also brings the threat of sunburns, allergies, bug bites, and other potential health complications.
Below are some tips that may help you enjoy a problem-free summer.
Protect yourself from UVA rays
Sunlight is good for the body, but like everything, too much of it is bad for you. Sun rays are an excellent source of vitamin D and can greatly enhance your mood. There are two types of sun rays: UVA and UVB.
UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin’s layers and provide that tan so many people seek. However, UVA rays also eventually damage the immune system.
Dr. Shivakumar, MD, who works at a family practice at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, said: “UVA damage may make it harder for the body to fight off diseases and can lead to skin cancers like melanoma, squamous cell and basal cell cancers.”
Put simply, spending too much time in the sun results in overexposure to UVA rays which can eventually cause life threatening skin cancers.
Always apply sunscreen when you are outdoors.
There are more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer in the US every year, many of them caused by too much exposure to UVA rays.
To protect yourself from UVA rays you should be using sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Dr. Shivakumar added: “Apply broad – spectrum sunscreen (blocks UVA/UVB) with at least SPF 30. You should be applying a “shot glass” amount from head to toe and reapply after swimming or sweating.”
Doctors at The American Medical Association said that to prevent skin cancer people should wear sunscreen and avoid too much sun, no matter what color your skin is.
Make sure to apply enough sunscreen too, adults need the equivalent of a shot glass full of sunscreen to fully protect themselves.
Drink plenty of water
Before stepping outdoors make sure that you are hydrated, it is crucial to drink plenty of water and replenish all the lost fluids. During the summer months we go outdoors more, we are more physically active, and it is much hotter – all factors that dehydrate us.
One caution: drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine can actually increase fluid output, making it much harder to be properly hydrated.
Signs of dehydration include:
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dry mouth
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headache
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light-headedness
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dizziness
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little or no urination
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constipation.
Drinking plenty of water lowers your risk of heat stroke.
Dehydration is a major cause of:
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Heat stroke – when body temperature rises higher than 40.6 °C (105.1°F). To avoid heatstroke wear lightweight clothing, avoid direct sunlight, use air conditioning, drink cold water, and avoid heavy meals.
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Seizures – dehydration leas to a lack of electrolytes. Electrolytes send electrical signals from cell to cell. When electrolyte levels fall too low these signals don’t function properly, leading to involuntary muscle contractions.
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Cerebral Edema – may occur when you drink after being dehydrated. The body sends water to the cells, however, it can send too much causing cells to swell and rupture.
Severe dehydration can also lead to kidney failure, coma, and even death.
Not only are these activities good for mental health and warding off obesity and becoming fit, other benefits of physical activity include:
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Reduced risk of breast cancer – data published in Cancer Epidemiology revealed that breast cancer risk can be reduced through exercise and physical activity.
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Reduced risk of psoriasis – psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder which causes redness, scaling, and irritation. A study published in Archives of Dermatology, showed that American women who engaged in energetic, physical activity were at a reduced risk of psoriasis.
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Better cognition in children and older adults – there are a number of studies now showing that aerobic exercise can increase the size of critical brain structures and improve cognition in children and older adults.
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Better sleep – a previous study found that people sleep much better and feel more alert during the day if they exercise for at least 150 minutes a week.
Try and avoid insects and bugs
Insect stings are responsible for more than half a million emergency room visits every year in the U.S., according to The National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Allergic reactions to insect bites can even be fatal.
When outdoors be sure to use insect repellent that either contains DEET (30 to 50 percent) or picaridin (up to 15 percent).
Dr. Shivakumar said “You may encounter various insects and bugs while on vacation as they like to thrive in warm climates, being prepared and protecting yourself could help prevent bites, stings and infections. Insect repellents that contain DEET work the best.”
Tips to prevent insect stings were published by the NPMA (National Pest Management Association)., and include:
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Making sure all windows and doors are properly closed
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Throwing out garbage as often as possible
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Wearing shoes all the time
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Seeking immediate medical attention if you are stung and have a reaction
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Contacting a licensed pest professional if you believe your house has a stinging insect infestation
Summer safety tips
Dr. Roger Yurt, director of the Hearst Burn Center of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, recommended a list of safety tips to make sure that people don’t run into any accidents while enjoying the summer break. He recommends that:
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If you are planning to barbecue, make sure that you do it far away from anything that may catch fire. Also, check your grill for leaks, dents or cracks and light the match before turning on the gas.
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On the fourth of July, stay at least 500 feet away from the fireworks display and ensure that children don’t touch used fireworks or sparklers.
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If your car radiator overheats, wait until the engine cools down before removing the cap
The most important thing is that you enjoy your summer.
Written by Joseph Nordqvist
