It is that time of the year again when relaxation and recreation
begins and the long days of the season are taken full advantage
of. But as the adage goes “Nothing comes, without a bargain”.
In summer, health becomes a treasure trove. The hot weather and
the burning heat calls for a heat prevention plan. As the summer
season starts so do dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
According to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(NCDCP), about 400 Americans die every year of heat-related illnesses
that were all preventable if only the people knew more about them.
This death toll is more than the combined fatalities from hurricanes,
lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes in the U.S.
The most likely people to get ill during summer are children, elderly
people, outdoor workers, athletes and exercisers. And all it takes
to prevent getting ill is to know more about your body’s need
for fluid intake.
Tips for summer: Following are some
tips to stay healthy in the summer time.
Avoid Dehydration:
Always drink plenty of water and other liquid fluids like sports
beverages. Infants and toddlers are easily dehydrated therefore
give them plenty of fluids.
Avoid drinking very cold water as it will cause stomach cramps.
There is no harm in keeping water bottles with you as they will
help you fight dehydration.
Reduce exercise and avoid the hottest hours of the day that
are between 10 a.m. till 4 p.m.
Take care of your skin.
Wear light colored, loose fitting clothes, they absorb less
heat and don’t wear you down.
Put on appropriate shoes when going out for a walk or when you
are engaged in any kind of sport or exercise.
Use sunglasses, hats and umbrellas as much as possible when
outside in the sun to protect your self from its heat and UV rays.
A good sun screen always helps to fight sunburns. Use a sun
screen with an SPF (Sun Protection factor) of 15 or higher.
Eat and drink healthy.
Eat plenty of vegetables, carbohydrates and fruits.
Avoid drinks containing caffeine, sugar and alcohol because
they cause dehydration.
Drink moderately and don’t drive while drunk.
When exercising, drink two to four glasses of cool fluids each
hour. Sports beverages can replace salt and minerals lost through
sweating
Beat that heat.
Give yourself a break every now and then without pushing yourself
to the limits. Remember that your body needs that well deserved
rest in the shade.
If the temperature is in the high 90’s don’t rely
on electric fans to cool the body alone. Taking a cold shower
and moving to an air-conditioned place will definitely help.
Don’t forget your medication.
It is suggested that on hotter days asthma patients or people
with respiratory disorders avoid going out in the sun as much
as possible. Before planning to go out they must check with the
daily air quality report and always take their medication with
them.
Before leaving for vacation pack a few items (calamine lotion,
baking soda) that will help with itchy or painful insect bites.
Allergy patients planning to travel or taking a vacation should
find out about the plants that will be pollinating at the vacation
spot. It is always better to prevent than cure the ailment.
Many times, people realize too late that they are in trouble. If
you are feeling ill, see a doctor immediately.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.
Disclaimer: Statement contained
within this web site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure,
mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.
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