Apart from the scorching heat, summer is associated with a lot of health and safety issues. You have to take a lot of care about your health especially, your skin because it is exposed to the sun for most part of the day. What are the simple things to remember so that you can prevent sunburns, rashes, allergies, dehydration and various other problems in summer? Here are a few common summer health prevention tips to follow.
1. Sunburns
Many people in America are diagnosed with skin cancer every year. The cause is major exposure to the sun. You have to protect yourself from the harmful rays to prevent damages to your skin. The best thing to do is to stay out of sunlight especially, during the peak hours. If you have to go out, cover most of the exposed parts using sunglasses, hats, long-sleeved clothes, wearing sunscreen etc. You can also use an umbrella if you have to spend time outside. In case you get sunburns, use a chamomile tea compress to soothe the area because it has anti-inflammatory properties. Gel from aloe vera too has soothing effects.
2. Bug bites
Another common problem in summer is bug bites. You may get bitten by various types of insects like black fly, mosquitoes, or ants. The itchiness in these cases can be treated with over-the-counter medications like diphenhydramine available as pill or cream. If it is a serious bite from a snake or a spider, you should visit the nearest doctor immediately. Mosquitoes can be prevented by using oil of eucalyptus or lemon. For stronger effects try using some bug repellents containing DEET.
3. Eye protection
In summers, most of us are concerned about our skin and forget about our eyes. You should also protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. UV exposure can cause various problems like glaucoma and cataract. Wear sunglasses whenever you have to step outside in the sun. They protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them too. Choosing appropriate sunglasses is important. Ensure that you buy a pair that has the ability to block over 99-100 percent of the UVA and UVB rays. Try to get large sized frames so that you can cover more area. Do not go for cheap varieties because they may not provide protection from the harmful rays. Buy good quality sunglasses for real protection.
4. Heat exhaustion
It is a known fact that water is very important, especially in summer. A lot of water from our body during summers drains out in the form of sweat. So our body may get dehydrated quickly. If the body does not get enough fluids in summer, it can lead to severe health risks including death. The symptoms of heat stroke include rapid, short breathing, fast pulse, and restlessness. In case you feel any of these, it is better to take the help of emergency services. Always move in a cool and shady area. Remember to always remain well hydrated during summer by drinking a lot of water and fresh juices.
5. Safety while swimming
Many people enjoy swimming during summer. They feel very cool and it relieves them from the heat of hot sun. However, you need to take some safety measures while swimming too. Even if you are a seasoned swimmer, it is better to follow the precautions. The rip currents and undertows are dangerous. If you want to go swimming never go to an area where there is no supervision. Never swim alone and do not dive in to unfamiliar and shallow waters. Check the quality of water before swimming as it might be contaminated.
6. Stay indoors
The best way to beat the heat and the health problems during summer is by staying indoors. If you have to go out, ensure that you wear all types of protective gear to prevent the UV rays. Schedule all your outdoor activities during the early part of the day or evening.
7. Diet
Including a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables is a simple way to remain healthy in summer. There are a lot of fruits and vegetables that contain a lot of water. Replace your snacks with such fruits and veggies. The water from these gets easily absorbed by the bloodstream and provides a cooling effect. Consuming onions is also one way to remain cool. It helps to relieve a lot of summer ailments.
Following the above precautions would ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable summer.
