Here comes the prickly heat of summers and all you want are the outdoor fun-trips to the cottage, lazy days on the beach, hikes in the woods, and meals cooked on the grill. However, health ailments can get in the way of summer fun. Here are some health woes that are more likely to occur in the summer months than at other times of the year, ways to prevent them, and what to do if they strike.
HyperthermiaHyperthermia, a group of heat-related illnesses ranging from heat exhaustion to heat stroke, happens when the body overheats. Older adults, chronic medical conditions (such as heart disease, poor circulation, obesity), and certain medications (such as those for high blood pressure, heart disease, depression), can also hinder a person's ability to cool down. To prevent heat-related illnesses, avoid exerting yourself outdoors during the hottest hours of the day, and seek air conditioning on hot days, many communities set up local cooling centres and drink eight to nine glasses of water a day.
Caution: Consult your physician on how much water you should drink if you were told to limit fluid intake for a condition such as congestive heart failure, kidney or liver disease.
Food poisoningFoodborne illnesses are two times more common during the summer months than during other parts of the year because the bacteria that cause food poisoning grow fastest in hot and humid weather. Older adults, young children and anyone with a weakened immune system may be more susceptible to food poisoning. Loss of water volume and electrolytes due to a diarrheal illness can cause dehydration, as well as kidney, heart and muscle problems for older adults. Prevent food poisoning by keeping perishable foods refrigerated or in a cooler with ice. Food left out of refrigeration for more than two hours may not be safe to eat. In temperatures higher than 90 degrees Fahrenheit, food should not be left out for more than one hour.
SunburnSunburn is the painful reddening of the skin after overexposure to sunlight. Avoid getting burned: stay in the shade, especially during peak hours; cover up with clothes and a wide-brimmed hat; and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with minimum SPF 15 to exposed skin (re-apply regularly, especially after sweating or swimming). If sunburned, take a cool shower or bath and apply cool compresses to affected areas several times daily. Apply aloe gel, but avoid lotions that keep heat in the skin. Acetaminophen helps relieve pain. If the burn is very painful or blistered, or if there are additional symptoms like facial swelling, nausea, fever or chills, rapid pulse, rapid breathing, confusion, dizziness or signs of skin infection, get immediate medical help.
Bug bitesMosquitoes, bees, wasps, ants, spiders, cause insect bites leading to itching, swelling and pain due to the venom and other substances biters leave behind. Most people react mildly, and bites can be treated by removing the stinger and washing the area with soap and water; applying topical cream for the itching and a cold pack for the swelling; taking a pain reliever such as acetaminophen, if needed; and taking an antihistamine to quell the reaction. A small number of people experience a severe reaction, with symptoms such as swelling of the throat and lips, nausea, respiratory problems, faintness, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, confusion, and shock. Seek medical help for these symptoms.
Asthma attacksSummer can be a dangerous time for those suffering from asthma. More smog and air pollution, high pollen levels and increased mold growth due to high humidity all cause a spike in asthma attacks. If you are prone to asthma attacks, continue taking your daily controller medications throughout the summer and keep a close eye on pollen and air pollution levels. If levels are high, it may be best to stay indoors, in air conditioning, if possible.
Swimmer's earTechnically known as otitis externa is common during the summer months when heat and humidity can fuel the growth of the bacteria and fungi. To prevent water from getting stuck in the ear canal, dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or showering. To do this, use a towel, tilt your head so one ear faces down to allow water to escape the ear canal. Then gently pull your earlobe in several directions to help the water drain out. If the water is still stuck, you can use a hair dryer to remove it keep the dryer on the lowest heat setting and hold it several inches away from your head. Never stick a cotton swab or other object in your ear. Leave the ear wax alone it protects the lining of the ear from infections such as swimmer's ear.
Eye damageSunlight, including light bouncing off water, sand and concrete, can burn your corneas, a painful condition known as photokeratitis. Over time, exposure to UV can age your eyes’ lenses, leading to cataracts, macular degeneration and other vision problems. Protect your eyes with a hat and sunglasses that shield against UVA and UVB rays. You could also spend less time outdoors when the sun is strongest.
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