Summer is the season to enjoy outdoor games, workouts and other activities that you missed because you had to stay indoors in winter. While summer encourages social gatherings and leisure activities, it also increases the chances of developing certain health issues. Let take a look at some of these common health concerns and tips to overcome them.
Major Health Hazards During The Summer Season
- Sunburn
Sunburn is a common and major health risk in summer. It is caused due to over-exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays. When you are exposed to too much sunlight, your body starts producing melanin (a dark pigment that gives the normal color to your skin) at a fast pace. Sunburn is the result of overproduction of the pigment.
Risk factors
Repeated sun exposure can lead to other skin diseases. It damages your skin cells and creates painful rashes on your skin
Tips to overcome sunburn
- Apply sunscreen lotion with good SPF that protects you from the UV rays
- Avoid sun exposure in the middle of the day
- Avoid taking long naps directly under the sun
- Heat Rashes
Heat rashes appear as red or pink dots on the skin. They appear in areas that are covered with clothing. The condition occurs when sweat particles are trapped in the skin and swell up like small dots or pimples, often causing itching and discomfort.
Tips to overcome Heat Rashes
- Avoid exposure to heat
- Taking a cool bath and showers
- Eating can cool down the body and reduce the rash .
- Avoid activities that cause excessive sweating
- Avoid using greasy moisturizers
- Use summer-friendly clothes
- Dehydration
Dehydration is a major concern in summer. The body has a tendency to lose too much water and salt during this season. Symptoms vary among people in different age groups. Adults feel thirsty and fatigued while children or infants experience dryness in the mouth and eyes.
Tips to overcome dehydration
- Drink water frequently
- Eat foods with high water content like strawberries, cucumber and watermelon
- Drink at least 6 – 8 glasses of water everyday
- Don’t skip meals
- Limit consumption of caffeinated drinks including coffee and alcohol
- Food Poisoning
Hot weather can damage your food especially because it can cause bacteria to grow faster. The hot climate can easily contaminate food like dairy products and meat, and lead to food poisoning.
Common Symptoms
- Diarrhea that lasts for more than 3 days
- Little or no urination
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
Tips to Prevent Food Poisoning
- Refrigerate leftover food within 2 hours of cooking
- Cook meat thoroughly to destroy harmful bacteria
- Swimming Accidents
As summer is the time people spend time in the pool and on the beach, water accidents are common. It is essential to ensure that the kids are safe while swimming or spending time on the beach.
Tips to avoid swimming accidents
- Always supervise your kids while swimming
- Wear a lifejacket while swimming
- Avoid alcohol whenever swimming
- Learn basic safety skills in swimming
Summer is an enjoyable time of the year, and taking these steps can help prevent health concerns and make your holidays memorable and enjoyable.
