Summer is a time for relaxation, vacations, and enjoying the great outdoors. However, the intense heat and increased exposure to the sun can lead to a variety of health issues. Knowing the common sicknesses that tend to crop up during hot weather can help you stay informed and take preventive measures to stay healthy all season long.
Here’s a look at some of the most common summer sicknesses, along with helpful prevention tips.
1. Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke
Heat exhaustion occurs when your body overheats due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, and it’s often a precursor to heatstroke. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headache. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can escalate into heatstroke, which is a medical emergency that can lead to organ failure or even death.
Prevention Tips:
- Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to prevent heat-related illnesses. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, and more if you’re active outdoors.
- Wear light clothing: Light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics like cotton can help your body cool down.
- Avoid peak sun hours: The sun is at its hottest between 10 AM and 4 PM. If possible, avoid outdoor activities during this time.
- Rest in the shade: If you do need to be outside, take frequent breaks in shaded areas to cool off.
2. Sunburn
Sunburn is one of the most common summer ailments. It happens when your skin is overexposed to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Symptoms include red, painful skin that feels hot to the touch, and in severe cases, blisters and peeling.
Prevention Tips:
- Use sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
- Wear protective clothing: A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and long-sleeve shirts can provide additional protection from the sun’s rays.
- Seek shade: Stay out of direct sunlight whenever possible, especially during the midday hours.
- Avoid tanning beds: Tanning beds can also cause sunburn-like effects, so steer clear of them.
3. Food Poisoning
Summer is synonymous with barbecues, picnics, and outdoor dining. However, hot weather can provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, making foodborne illnesses like food poisoning more common. Symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.
Prevention Tips:
- Keep food at safe temperatures: Hot foods should be kept at 140°F or higher, and cold foods should be kept at 40°F or lower. Invest in a cooler with ice packs to maintain proper temperatures during outdoor gatherings.
- Wash hands and surfaces: Always wash your hands thoroughly before preparing food, and sanitize countertops and utensils.
- Cook meat thoroughly: Make sure meat, particularly poultry and ground beef, is cooked to the proper internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria.
4. Allergies
Summer is prime allergy season for many people. Pollen from grass, trees, and weeds is at its peak during these months, and can trigger allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion. For those with seasonal allergies, summer can be a challenging time.
Prevention Tips:
- Monitor pollen counts: Check local weather forecasts for pollen levels and try to stay indoors when counts are high, especially early in the morning.
- Keep windows closed: Use air conditioning in Tempe to cool your home rather than opening windows that allow pollen in.
- Take allergy medications: Over-the-counter antihistamines can help alleviate symptoms. If your allergies are severe, consult with your doctor about prescription options.
5. Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in, which is common during hot weather due to increased sweating. Symptoms include dry mouth, fatigue, dark-colored urine, and dizziness.
Prevention Tips:
- Drink plenty of water: Water is the best way to stay hydrated, but you can also consume foods with high water content, like fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine: Both of these can contribute to dehydration, so limit your intake during the summer months.
- Carry a water bottle: Keep water on hand throughout the day, especially when you’re out in the heat or engaging in physical activities.
6. Insect Bites and Stings
With warmer weather, insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and bees become more active. Bites and stings can cause irritation, swelling, and in some cases, allergic reactions.
Prevention Tips:
- Use insect repellent: Apply a repellent with DEET or other effective ingredients to prevent bites, especially when spending time in areas with standing water.
- Wear protective clothing: Long sleeves, pants, and socks can reduce exposure to insects.
- Check for ticks: After spending time outdoors in wooded or grassy areas, check your body for ticks, which can transmit diseases like Lyme disease.
7. Respiratory Issues
Hot weather can worsen respiratory problems, especially for those with asthma or other lung conditions. The combination of high temperatures, humidity, and increased air pollution can lead to shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.
Prevention Tips:
- Limit outdoor activity: On hot, humid days, try to stay indoors or engage in light activity.
- Keep inhalers on hand: If you have asthma, always carry your inhaler with you, especially during the summer months.
- Use air purifiers: If air quality is poor, consider using an air purifier to help filter out pollutants in your home.
In Conclusion
While summer is a time for fun and relaxation, it’s also important to stay vigilant about potential health risks. By taking preventive measures such as staying hydrated, protecting your skin from the sun, and avoiding overexposure to heat, you can enjoy all the best parts of the season without the health setbacks. Remember, your health is worth prioritizing—so take care, stay safe, and have a fantastic summer!
