twelve potential health hazards to be aware of during the summer season

twelve potential health hazards to be aware of during the summer season

Protect Yourself from Summer's Health Risks

As the scorching sun and long days of summer approach, it is essential to take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe, healthy, and enjoyable season. To aid you in this endeavor, we have compiled some of the summer's most significant health hazards and offered expert advice from healthcare professionals on how to minimize the risks.

1. Dehydration

Given that up to 78% of your body is water, it goes without saying that inadequate hydration can hinder proper body function. Dehydration can escalate to severe, even fatal levels in intense heat. To counter dehydration, it is vital to stay proactive about hydration, particularly if you work outside or engage in sports. If you embark on such activities while dehydrated, it becomes increasingly difficult to replenish lost fluids.

How much water should you drink? The amount varies according to individual health and activity level. Registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD, LD, suggests aiming for 64 ounces daily. Certain foods can also contribute to hydration.

Be mindful of the color of your urine, especially during hot weather. A pale, straw-yellow hue indicates proper hydration, while a darker shade may suggest dehydration.

1. Sunburns

A sunburn is a radiation burn caused by excessive exposure to UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun. Sunburns increase the likelihood of premature skin aging and skin cancer while causing short-term discomfort such as severe sunburns that blister and induce feelings of sickness, which can lead to dehydration, sun poisoning, and infection.

Preventive measures are imperative every day, even on gloomy days. To shield yourself, use a daily sunscreen containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide with a chemical or mineral base. Ensure thorough application, even to overlooked spots like ears, eyelids, lips, scalp, the tops of feet, and areas near clothing edges.

1. Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat-related illnesses pose another danger in hot weather. Dehydration and sunburns can exacerbate these conditions:

• Heat rash: A painful rash that develops when sweat becomes trapped in your glands.
• Heat cramps: Intense muscle cramps resulting from excessive sweating and the loss of salts and fluids in the body.
• Heat exhaustion: A condition that occurs when the body fails to cool itself through sweating, potentially escalating to heatstroke.
• Heatstroke (sunstroke): The most severe heat-related illness and can be fatal.

Maintain hydration, wear sunscreen, and moderate your time spent outdoors to avoid these illnesses. Take any observed symptoms seriously and refrain from pushing through them.

"If it's hot, sunny, or humid, take frequent breaks," advises emergency medicine physician Thomas Waters, MD. "Ideally, get into the air conditioning, but at least into the shade."

1. Insect-Related Issues

Bees, mosquitoes, ticks, and ants are among the creatures that take advantage of the warm weather. To keep bugs at bay, wear insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) or picaridin (KBR 3023). Higher concentrations of DEET provide longer-lasting protection for several hours, according to dermatologist Melissa Piliang, MD.

In addition to using repellent, avoid wearing scented products, drain standing water, put on protective clothing when possible, and cover outdoor foods to deter bees.

1. Drowning

Summer's water activities are enjoyable but can also be hazardous, particularly for young children. In the US, drowning is the leading cause of death for kids ages 1 to 4 years old. It is crucial to follow safety precautions to protect both children and adults.

• Learn CPR: In an emergency, knowing how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can save a life.
• Use drain covers: Prevent children's hair and swim trunks from getting caught in pool drains by covering them.
• Wear life jackets: Everyone should wear life vests, regardless of swimming abilities, when on a boat or watercraft.
• Enroll in swimming lessons: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends lessons for children ages 4 and older, but start earlier if you have your own pool or frequently visit a water body.
• Food-Related Illnesses

Barbecue favorites may not always be your friend. Harmful substances like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are created during the smoking process, increasing the risk of certain types of cancer.

"Instead of smoking, try marinating meats with liquid smoke, then do a quick grill or smoker turn for flavor," suggests registered dietitian Gillian Culbertson, RD, LD.

Also, ensure meats are cooked to a safe temperature and carefully manage leftovers to prevent foodborne illnesses.

1. Kidney Stones

Did you know that kidney stones are more common in the summer than in the winter? To help prevent kidney stone formation, stay hydrated, limit salt intake, and include more fruits and vegetables in your diet. Consult a healthcare professional for additional dietary advice.

1. Gardening Injuries

Gardening can be beneficial for both physical and mental health but may also result in injuries such as back pain and creaky joints. To prevent injuries, pay attention to your gardening form by bending from your knees rather than your hips, adjusting your position frequently, and using ergonomic tools like padded kneelers and wheelbarrows. Also, avoid touching poison ivy, which can cause a rash in up to 75% of people allergic to urushiol, an oil found in every part of the plant.

1. Foot Problems

Flip-flops, wedges, and other sandals are common sources of foot pain and injuries. "Oftentimes, we see patients trip and fall if they aren't wearing a supportive shoe," says podiatrist Joy Rowland, DPM. Injuries such as sprains, ankle rolls, and stubbed toes are common accordingly. To prevent blisters, keep your feet dry by wearing moisture-wicking socks, applying a drying agent like aluminum chloride to your feet, or using moleskin on sensitive areas before activity.

1. Biking Injuries

Wearing a helmet while cycling has proven to reduce the chance of a traumatic brain injury by 53%. Yet 4 out of 5 people fail to wear one. Learn how to fit a bike helmet properly, and if necessary, seek assistance from a local bike shop. Wearing a helmet sets an example for children, teaching them the importance of helmet use and overall bike safety.

1. Seasonal Depression

While typically associated with fall and short, dark days, seasonal depression can also occur during summer. Symptoms include irritability, frustration, insomnia, and a lack of energy and motivation. Contributing factors might include fatigue and discomfort due to heat, seasonal allergies, changes in routine, and social anxiety.

Clinical psychologist Adam Borland, PsyD, offers tips for treating summer depression, such as creating a routine, keeping a mood journal, and finding ways to cool off when the heat becomes unbearable. Remind those experiencing summer depression that pursuing treatment options is vital and not a sign of weakness.

1. Seasonal Allergies

Approximately 20 million people in the US suffer from pollen allergies, and hot, humid weather boosts mold spore levels. There is no cure for seasonal allergies; however, being prepared can make dealing with them more tolerable. Medications like antihistamines and nasal sprays can offer relief, but it is essential to choose the most effective medication for your situation and start taking it before allergy season begins. Consider appointing a healthcare professional for guidance on selecting the optimal medications.

By following these safety measures and precautions, you can reduce the risk of summer health hazards and injuries for both children and adults. Enjoy a safe, healthy, and memorable summer!

1. Recognizing that hydration plays a crucial role in overall health, aim for 64 ounces daily and consume hydrating foods to counter dehydration during hot weather.
2. Protect yourself from sunburns by using a daily sunscreen with a chemical or mineral base and ensuring thorough application on exposed areas.
3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by preventing heat-related illnesses, insect-related issues, food-related illnesses, kidney stones, gardening injuries, foot problems, biking injuries, seasonal depression, and seasonal allergies through various precautions like staying hydrated, wearing protective gear, and consulting healthcare professionals when needed.

Read also: