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:
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.
Put simply, spending too much time in the sun results in overexposure to UVA rays which can eventually cause life threatening skin cancers.
Drink plenty of water:
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:
One caution: drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine can actually increase fluid output, making it much harder to be properly hydrated.
- dry mouth
- headache
- light-headedness
- dizziness
- little or no urination
- constipation.
Dehydration is a major cause of:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Don't just sit around, go out and exercise
For many people, spending the summer indoors lounging around may seem like a good idea, but why not see it as an opportunity to engage in some physical activities.
Not only are these activities good for mental health and warding off obesity and becoming fit, other benefits of physical activity include:
Reduced risk of breast cancer revealed thatbreast cancer risk can be reduced through exercise and physical activity.
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.
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.
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).
- Making sure all windows and doors are properly closed
- Throwing out garbage as often as possible
- Wearing shoes all the time
- Seeking immediate medical attention if you are stung and have a reaction
- Contacting a licensed pest professional if you believe your house has a stinging insect infestation
