TheFreeman Lifestyle Summer HEALTH THREATS TO WATCH OUT FOR
As summer begins to show its comely grin, everyone is tempted to through their cares into the air and hop into fun. But health authorities have always advised that people shall be mindful of their health during the summer season’s flurry of activities. They cite common summer diseases or conditions that can adversely affect one’s health and get in the way of the summer fun.
The website http://ro5.doh. gov.ph lists the most common of these summer diseases: sore eyes, sunburn, cough and colds, stomach upset, skin diseases and rabies.
Sore Eyes. Sore eyes or conjunctivitis, when mistreated, can lead to blindness. More than just eye irritation, it can easily be due to harmful bacteria or viruses that easily spread to other people. Hand washing can limit its spread. Health experts advise not to use eye drops without consulting a doctor.
Sunburn. Sunburn can be prevented by limiting outdoor activities to early morning or late afternoon. Direct exposure to sun shall be avoided between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s important to hide in the shade or seek cool places to prevent too much sun exposure. The use of appropriate sunscreen helps a lot too, like choosing a product that retards against both UVA and UVB rays, with at least an SPF30, applying it 30 minutes before going out in the sun. It shall be re-applied if exposure is extended and the ears, nape areas and feet shall be included.
Heat Stroke. Heat stroke is a more serious consequence of too much exposure to sun. This can be avoided by drinking eight to12 glasses of water a day. Holy Week penitents can also benefit from these tips.
Cough and Colds. Cough and colds easily spread even during the summer months, as erratic weather brings sudden downpours from time to time. Senior citizens are advised to get vaccinated against influenza before the flu season begins in June.
Stomach Upset. Stomach upset, particularly vomiting and diarrhea, often result from the consumption of contaminated food or drinks. Everyone shall be cautious of street foods and foods prepared for out-of-town trips. Food spoils easily during the hot summer months. In case of diarrhea, it is good to always have oral rehydration salt solution ready. Early consultation shall be sought to prevent severe dehydration.
Skin Diseases. Skin diseases are another common summer concern, especially in areas where water becomes scarce and daily bathing is compromised. Usually, inmates in crowded prisons suffer boils due to heat and congestion.
Skin diseases also emerge when one swims in dirty water or unmaintained public swimming pools. A good practice is to take a bath before and after plunging into the pool. And one shall never urinate into the pool water.
Drowning. The real danger in swimming, though, is drowning. Small children shall not be left alone at the pool or beach.
Rabies. Dog bites are also prevalent during summer, maybe because children are off school and have more time to roam around. Or maybe dogs are just more aggressive in summer because of the high temperatures. Dog bites can lead to rabies if wounds are not washed and cared for properly. A good prevention for rabies is to make sure that dogs are vaccinated against virus. One who is bitten by a dog shall visit the animal bite center at once for proper treatment.
Road Accidents. As summer is also a time for vacation and travel, authorities remind the public to follow simple road safety tips – like not using their cellphones while driving, not drinking alcoholic beverages if driving, not driving when sleepy, always wearing the seatbelt, and always following traffic rules as well as observing speed limits. Those riding motorcycles or bicycles shall wear their helmets.