The long awaited summer months have finally arrived! Thoughts ofvacations, outside activities and sun tanning abound! But Beware – summer time brings along added health risks with outside activities.
Skin cancer, dehydration, mosquito-borne diseases and even an increased risk of cataracts are a few of the risks of unprotected outside summer fun.
Skin cancer: According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one person dies every hour from skin cancer, primarily melanoma.
The Foundation estimates that at least 100,000 cancer cases and 60,000 cancer deaths can be prevented each year in the United States with early detection. While overexposure to the sun usually takes years to lead to skin cancer, the sun’s heat can harm your skin immediately. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main cause of skin cancer. These UV rays can also cause sunburn, tanning, premature skin aging and a decrease in immune system response.
Check your skin regularly and go to a doctor if you detect any unusual growths that are asymmetrical, have an uneven border or an unusual color and have a diameter larger than that of a pencil eraser.
Sun protection is recommended when the ultraviolet index is 3 and above. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen which contains products to block both UVA and UVB rays and remember sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours to work.
Dehydration: Dehydration can happen quickly in the summer heat due to excessive sweating, especially in physically active individuals. Water is a critical element of the body, and adequate hydration is a must to allow the body to function. Up to 75% of the body’s weight is made up of water. Dehydration occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the amount being taken in. The body can lose significant amounts of water when it tries to cool itself by sweating. Depending upon weather conditions, a brisk walk may generate up to 16 ounces of sweat (a pound of water)! That water needs to be replaced to prevent dehydration. During the hot humid summer months remember to drink additional water to avoid dehydration.
Insect borne diseases: Summer is also a month of insects like mosquitoes, bees and ants. Their bites – apart from being itchy and annoying – can be serious and can bring on serious diseases.Tips for stings:
First check the sting site to see if the stinger is in the skin. If the stinger is visible use a firm object like a credit card to sweep across the bite and remove the stinger. Squeezing or pinching the skin to remove the stinger will allow additional venom to be released.
Clean the area. Use soap and water to thoroughly cleanse the site of the sting then apply ice or hydrocortisone cream to help with pain.
Take a pain reliever and an antihistamine if needed for discomfort.
Should severe allergic reaction occur – including difficulty in breathing or swallowing – call 911 and seek emergency care immediately. To protect against mosquito bites an over-the-counter insect repellent with DEET is usually safe to use on children as young as 2 months old, and adults. Be sure to read the label for application instructions.
Cataracts: According to the World medicine online without prescription Health Organization approximately 18 million people are blind as a result of cataracts; of these 5% of all cataract related disease is directly attributable to UV radiation exposure. Overexposure to ultraviolet light can cause cataracts, retinal damage and other eye problems. Acute effects of UV radiation include inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva, fortunately these effects are reversible, easily prevented by protective eyewear and are not associated with any long-term damage.
Sunglasses should be worn when outside during the day and should be dark enough to reduce glare, but not dark enough to distort colors. Make sure sunglasses block 100 percent of UV rays and UV-B rays.
Though skin cancer, dehydration, mosquito-borne diseases brand cialis buy online and cataracts are potential health risks related to summer time heat and sun, summer time can still be a time for outside fun – just remember to: Keep your skin hydrated and moisturized; use sunscreens and avoid too much sun exposure. Drink plenty of water – water keeps your body hydrated. Stay cool by wearing light, loose-fitting clothing and limit your outside time during the heat of the day. Protect against mosquito bites by using an over-the-counter insect repellent. Wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes so you can enjoy your summer in a safe way!













