Summer Health Dangers

The Most Common Summer Health Dangers

Summer is a favorite time of the year for many, but that does not mean you can forget about the major hazards it poses for your health. Here are 5 of the most common summer health dangers.

Dehydration

Dehydration is common because many enter the summer months without a strong habit of staying hydrated. As you spend extended periods of time outside in hot weather, the high levels of sweat leaving your pores will require you to replenish your body with more water than you might be used to taking in. Symptoms of dehydration are dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, and high internal body temperatures. Always pack more water than you think you will need for a day out in the sun.

Sunburn

Sunburn is actually a type of first-degree burn and is known to be a major cause of skin cancer. If you have had a sunburn only five times in your life, you are twice as at risk of developing melanoma as someone who has never had a sunburn. When spending the day out in the sun you should wear sun protective clothing as well as regularly reapplying sunscreen.

Food poisoning

Summer is the season of picnics and barbecues. This means that perishable foods are left out for much longer periods than they should be. At these fun outdoor events t is easy to accidentally use the same plate for cooked meat and raw meat or to set food on an unsanitary surface. Sanitize all food preparation and serving surfaces before using them, keep raw meat separated from everything else, and keep foods refrigerated or in an iced cooler as often as possible.

Lawn equipment injuries

In the spring and into summer, heavy lawn equipment is used more often. This means increased risk for injuries involving lawn mowers, grass and hedge trimmers. Turn off equipment completely before making any adjustments. This will help to prevent digits and extremities from getting caught in the blades. Be sure to follow all equipment instructions for proper use, wear clothing that is not loose, keep hair tied back and wear protective eyewear and gloves to protect from flying debris.

Pool-related injuries

The summer months see a great many pool visitors, which unfortunately means that pool-related injuries are a commonly seen reality once again. Always keep a close eye on children as they play in the pool, especially because drowning so often isn’t accompanied by cries for help. As your children play in the pool, be sure that they aren’t diving into shallow areas or playing roughly near concrete edges, either. Running by the pool should also be discouraged.

Summer Health Dangers