Avoiding the health dangers of summer

Dr Douglas Street, Contributor

Summer is here! Schools are out for most students and some working persons are on vacation. Many persons are heading for the beaches, the rivers, picnics and the parties.

But we know that, where fun is, dangers are not far behind and, so often, in the pursuit of fun, we lose our minds. To reduce the risk of bad memories, let us look at some ways to keep the summer healthy and safe.

Summer isn't summer without heat! When it is hot, we lose more fluids and electrolytes (salts) from the body. We need to ensure that we increase the amounts of fluids to avoid dehydration.

If we are eating properly, we should get enough salts. But if not, we should get fluids with salts, say Gatorade. It is best to limit the amount of sugar, caffeine and alcohol, as these can worsen dehydration.

It's also important to keep cool as well, because too much exposure to heat can cause us to overheat, leading to heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. These can manifest as high body temperature, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, heavy sweating, leg cramps, confusion and fainting.

Avoid sunburns

Try to avoid sunburns, especially if you are of a light complexion and/or from cooler climates. You may protect your skin by using sunscreen. Ensure that the directions are followed, as sometimes they will wash off, leaving persons unknowingly exposed.

During summer, a lot of people, and sometimes pets, congregate at the beaches and the pools. Fungal infections and worms tend to get passed on very easily, so try to avoid going barefooted as much as possible. Also, be careful where you sit.

The children will probably be spending a lot more time at home as well, soit's important to scrutinise the home environment, both internally and externally, looking for potential dangers they might not see during play and pranks.

Then, of course, there is the food. A lot of outdoor eating of unpreserved food (such as those freshly prepared) occurs during the summer. Sometimes the food is prepared outdoors as well, which may present other challenges. In the heat of the summer, harmful bacteria in food can multiply very quickly, turning a fun-filled day outdoors into a health disaster. Prevention entails keeping all surfaces clean and consuming food soon after preparation.

Dr Douglas Street is a general practitioner and has private practices at Trinity Medical Centre, Trinity Mall, 3 Barnett Street, Montego Bay, and Omega Medical Centre, Plaza de Negril, Negril. Send feedback to drdougstreet@yahoo.com.