Summer Health Risks

Introduction

Summer is the time to relish open-air activities, enjoy doing anything that makes you physically -active, and simply bask in the sunshine. Yet, with all these health risks that the warm weather poses, it can damper your summer fun if you're not careful. From heat-related illnesses to foodborne diseases, dehydration, water-related injuries, and insect bites and stings, it's important to be aware of these potential hazards and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. This article provides a comprehensive guide on common summer health risks and offers practical tips for prevention and treatment so that you have an enjoyable, safe, and pleasurable summer season.

Heat-related Illnesses

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body is exposed to high temperatures, especially in combination with high humidity. This condition is often exacerbated by dehydration and excessive physical activity, which deplete the body’s fluids and electrolytes.^1,2,3

Symptoms

• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness and weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting

Prevention

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid beverages that dehydrate, such as alcohol and caffeine
• Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing to help keep your body cool
• Rest in Cool Areas: Take regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments to avoid overheating
• Limit Strenuous Activities: Avoid intense physical activities during peak heat hours, typically between 10 am and 4 pm

First aid

• Move the person to a cooler place, have them lie down, and loosen or remove any tight or heavy clothing
• Cool the person down by applying cool or having them take a cool bath
• Encourage the person to sip water or sports drinks to rehydrate
• Seek medical help if symptoms worsen or persist for more than an hour

Heat stroke

Heat stroke is a serious condition that happens when the body is exposed to extremely high temperatures and its natural cooling mechanisms are overwhelmed. This can happen with prolonged exposure to extreme heat, leading to a rapid increase in body temperature.^1,2,3

Symptoms

• Extremely high body temperature (above 103°F or 39.4°C)
• dry red skin with no sweating
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Dizziness and confusion
• Nausea
• Unconsciousness

Prevention

• Avoid Extreme Heat: Remain indoors during the peak heat hours of the day
• Use Air Conditioning: Spend time in air-conditioned places to help keep your body temperature down
• Hydrate Regularly: Drink water frequently, even if you don’t feel thirsty
• Wear Protective Clothing: Use hats, and sunglasses, and apply sunscreen to protect against sunburn and heat exposure

First aid

• Try moving the person to a cooler place and use any available method to cool the person down, such as a cool bath, wet clothes, or ice packs
• Do not give fluids to drink if the person is unconscious or showing severe symptoms

Sunburn and skin damage

Sunburn

Sunburn occurs due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources such as tanning beds. UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, leading to inflammation and the characteristic redness and pain of sunburn.^1,2,3

Symptoms

• Red, Inflamed Skin: The affected area turns red and feels warm to the touch
• Pain and Tenderness: Sunburned skin is often sensitive and painful
• Blisters: In severe cases, fluid-filled blisters may form
• Peeling Skin: A few days after the burn, the skin may begin to peel as it heals

Prevention

• Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Reapply it every two hours and after swimming or sweating
• Seek Shade: Especially between 11 am and 3 pm when the sun’s rays are strongest
• Wear Protective Clothing: Use hats with brims, sunglasses with UV protection, and long-sleeved shirts
• Avoid Tanning Beds: These can lead to substantial skin damage and elevate the risk of developing skin cancer

Treatment

• Cool the Skin: Apply a cool, damp cloth to the affected area or take a cool bath to soothe the burn.
• Moisturize: Use aloe vera or a moisturizer containing aloe vera or soy to hydrate the skin
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to help your skin recover from the burn
• Pain Relief: Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain and inflammation
• Avoid Further Sun Exposure: Keep the sunburned area covered while it heals to prevent additional damage

Long-term skin damage

Long-term exposure to UV radiation can lead to chronic skin damage. This damage accumulates over time and can have serious health consequences.

Risks

• Premature Aging: Repeated sun exposure can cause wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots
• Skin Cancer: There is an increased risk of developing various types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma

Prevention

• Regular Use of Sunscreen: Daily sunscreen application is crucial, even on cloudy days
• Protective Clothing: Incorporate long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses into your daily attire to shield your skin from UV rays
• Avoid Tanning: Embrace your natural skin tone and avoid artificial tanning methods, which can significantly increase your risk of skin cancer
• Annual Skin Checks: Visit a dermatologist for yearly skin examinations to catch any signs of skin cancer early^1,2

Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, which can happen for several reasons. Inadequate fluid intake, especially in hot weather, is a primary cause. Increased sweating from excessive heat or physical activity also leads to significant fluid loss. Additionally, certain medical conditions or medications can exacerbate dehydration by increasing the body's fluid output. It's essential to recognize these factors to prevent dehydration effectively.^4,5,10

Symptoms

• Thirst
• Dry mouth and lips
• Dark urine
• Fatigue and dizziness
• Confusion or irritability

Prevention

• Stay Hydrated: Consume ample amounts of water consistently throughout the day. Aim for at least 8 cups, more if you are active or in hot weather
• Avoid Dehydrating Drinks: Limit the intake of alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, as they can contribute to dehydration
• Eat Water-Rich Foods: Include fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges in your diet to help maintain hydration
• Monitor Urine Color: Aim for light-coloured urine as an indicator of good hydration.
• Take Breaks: Rest in shaded or cool areas, especially during outdoor activities or exercise, to prevent excessive fluid loss^4,5,10

Treatment

• Rehydrate: Drink water or electrolyte-replenishing beverages like sports drinks to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
• Rest: Sit or lie down in a cool place to allow your body to recover.
• Seek Medical Attention: If symptoms are severe or persistent, consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.^4,5,10

Foodborne Illnesses

Foodborne illnesses occur when people consume contaminated food or drinks. Improper handling, such as cross-contamination from raw meats, unwashed vegetables, and dirty surfaces, can introduce harmful bacteria. Inadequate cooking and poor storage conditions also allow bacteria to thrive.^1,5,6

Symptoms

• Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever and chills

Prevention

• Cleanliness: Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces frequently. Use separate chopping boards for raw and cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination
• Proper Cooking: Ensure meats, especially poultry, are cooked to safe temperatures (75°C or 165°F for poultry) to kill harmful bacteria
• Safe Storage: Keep perishable foods refrigerated at 0-5°C, and store raw meat separately from ready-to-eat foods to prevent bacterial growth
• Avoid Cross-Contamination: Use separate utensils for raw and cooked foods, and never wash raw meat as this can spread bacteria through splashing water^1,5,6

Treatment

• Hydrate: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhoea. Oral rehydration solutions can be helpful
• Rest: Give your body time to recover by ensuring you get ample rest
• Medical Attention: Seek medical help if symptoms are severe or persistent, such as prolonged vomiting, diarrhoea, or a high fever^1,5,6

Insect bites and stings 

Insect bites and stings are common during the summer months, especially in certain environments:

• Mosquitoes and Horseflies: These insects are commonly found near water sources such as lakes, ponds, and marshes
• Ticks: Ticks are typically found in woodlands, heathlands, and areas with long grass, where they can attach to humans and animals^7,8,9

Prevention

• Cover Exposed Skin: Wear loose, long-sleeved clothing and shoes to minimize skin exposure, particularly during times when insects are most active, such as sunrise and sunset
• Use Insect Repellent: Apply an insect repellent containing 50% DEET to exposed skin to deter mosquitoes, horseflies, and other biting insects
• Avoid High-Risk Areas: Stay on footpaths and avoid walking through long grass or dense vegetation where ticks are likely to be present^7,8,9

Tick prevention

• Wear Appropriate Clothing: When walking in tick-prone areas, wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers to reduce the risk of ticks attaching to your skin
• Check for Ticks: After spending time in areas known for ticks, inspect your skin and clothing thoroughly. Pay special attention to hidden areas such as behind the knees, under the arms, and around the waist
• Remove Ticks Promptly: If you find a tick on your skin, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. After removing the tick, it is essential to disinfect the bite area and your hands. You can do this by using rubbing alcohol, an iodine solution, or soap and water^7,8,9

Summary

While summer offers a plethora of opportunities for outdoor enjoyment, it's crucial to stay mindful of the health risks associated with the season. By understanding the causes, symptoms, prevention strategies, and treatments for heat-related illnesses, sunburn, dehydration, foodborne illnesses, water-related injuries, and insect bites, you can take the necessary precautions to safeguard your health. Stay hydrated, protect your skin, practice safe food handling, be vigilant around water, and take measures to avoid insect bites. With these tips, you can mitigate the risks and make the most of your summer activities, ensuring a fun and healthy experience for everyone.