Summer is here! But with the temperatures rising, it’s important to be aware of the risks that come with it. If you’re not careful, you could get heat stroke, develop heat exhaustion or even get food poisoning. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent these illnesses from happening in the first place.
While on vacation, we tend to focus on having a good time and neglect our health. However, good health should always be a priority in every season. In this post, we will discuss the main conditions that can occur during the summer (especially in hot weather) and the preventive measures you can take to avoid them.
Read, take notes, put this advice into practice, and you’ll be able to have a good time while keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.
4 conditions to prevent during the Summer season
We all want to have a cool summer, but it is essential to know and understand that some of these situations can be life-threatening in a matter of minutes. Here are four of the conditions you need to be aware of to stay alert in the summer.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition caused by extreme heat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. During a heat stroke, the body temperature can rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes, and if not treated immediately, it can cause permanent disability or death.
There are a number of symptoms that can indicate heat stroke, including:
- Hot and dry skin
- Excessive sweating
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
The most effective way to treat heat stroke is to move the person to a shaded, cool area, remove their outer clothing, and then call for emergency care.
Dehydration
Dehydration is a serious condition that can be life-threatening, especially for elderly people and infants. It occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to perform normal functions.
Dehydration can be detected in the following ways. According to the NHS, the most common signs are:
- Thirst
- Dry mouth, lips and tongue
- Peeing less than usual
- Fatigue or weakness
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to drink plenty of fluids immediately. To prevent dehydration during the hot weather season, make sure you drink enough water throughout the day. About six glasses per day for adults and four glasses per day for children under 12 years old.
Sunburn
Sunburn is a sign of skin damage. It occurs when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. It can look like inflamed, painful skin that feels hot to the touch, as Mayo Clinic explains.
Severe sunburns may be accompanied by fever, chills and nausea. These can happen on any exposed part of the body. Sunburns usually appear within a few hours of exposure to the sun, and it is possible that the body will start healing itself by peeling the damaged skin’s top layer within a few days.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning occurs when you eat food contaminated with bacteria, viruses or parasites. Leaving food out for too long, handling it by someone who is ill or eating it after its expiration date are examples given by the NHS as to how this occurs.
So, how do you know if you have food poisoning? The signs and symptoms of food poisoning include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
- High temperature
Food poisoning can range from mild to severe, depending on the type of germ that causes it. However, a positive aspect of this condition is that it can usually be treated at home, and the symptoms usually resolve after a week.
Preventive measures for the summer season
Knowing what conditions to be on the lookout for, it’s time to dive into precautionary measures and recommendations to take while on vacation. However, it is essential to remember that seeking medical advice is the best thing to do in case of symptoms, warning signs or any accidents.
To stay safe in the summer, put the following recommendations into practice:
- Stay hydrated: a hot climate makes staying hydrated even more crucial. If you start feeling thirsty, it’s been too long since your last drink, so grab another one.
- Avoid overexertion: when temperatures rise above 32 Celcius, even moderate activity can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke if you’re not careful.
- Schedule rest breaks: every 30 minutes or so, sit in the shade and sip some water before continuing with activities.
- Apply sunscreen: in order to achieve maximum sun protection, you should apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
In conclusion, with these tips in mind, you can enjoy a fun and safe summer season with your loved ones. Remember to stay hydrated, wear loose and light clothing, use sunscreen, and avoid consuming foods that have been left out in the sun.
Accidents can happen anytime, and cases can get more serious if not treated immediately. In DaVinci Health, our walk-in clinic is available every day (check our schedules) and can be visited without an appointment. A doctor from our team and nurse will provide you with the best care, guidance and treatment you need.
Get ready for the summer and stay out cool and safe!
