Ready for summer time? Unfortunately, we don’t get summers off like we used to when we were young. But this season brings forth vacations, more outside activities and health hazards.
Health.com, has provided a summer guide to staying healthy all season and hopefully avoiding certain health dangers:
- Gradually increase your exercise instead of pumping out 3 hours every weekend
- Warm up before you run to avoid injury
- Garden safely, use your legs when you squat not your back
- Choose breathable clothing to steer clear of heat rash
- Educate yourself on plants; sumac, poison ivy and oak can pop up almost anywhere that is highly populated during summer months
- Wash those hands! If you think you’ve touched a poisonous plant, wash your hands immediately with soap and water.
- Be picnic smart. A picnic table with tons of sugary drinks is an invitation for bees and wasps. Standing open water can lead to mosquitos laying their eggs in too.
- Stick to pastels this summer. Bright colors attract bees, skip heavy perfume products too.
- Use your repellent on your clothing only, not on your skin.
- Get bit? Use ice first as an anti-inflammatory, take an antihistamine to help with swelling, itching and any pain. If swelling persists to the face or you have a hard time breathing, call 911.
- Keep your food cold. Avoid foodborne bacteria by keeping your picnic eats at 40 degrees or colder. Don’t leave food out any longer than two hours.
- Marinating? Marinate your fish and meats in the fridge rather than at room temperature. Remember to always wash your hands after handling raw food.
- Temperature matters. Cook your meat fully to kill those pesky foodborne bacteria like salmonella or E. Coli.
- Asthma? Summer months can be bad for those who have asthma. Check your local air quality conditions to pre-plan whether to stay indoors or to venture outside.
“A classic case of getting stung involves someone leaving a soda can out, a bee flies into the can, the person raises it to their lips and… pow!” Dr. Eghrari-Sabet says.
Been bit by a bee and worried you might be allergic? Call 911 if it is an emergency. If it’s not an emergency, find a family practitioner near your home who can help.
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