Summer is already upon us! For many people, summer means fun in the sun. The kids are out of school, adults are going on vacations and it's time for outdoor activities like riding bikes and hosting barbecues and much more. Staying healthy during the summer requires more than just eating the right foods.
Summer provides an excellent opportunity for everyone to get outside, increase their activity, and avoid a year-round sedentary lifestyle.
But summer also holds risks such as heat, skin cancer and even tetanus. No matter what summertime activity you choose to participate in - fun and games with family or friends at the park, a cool and refreshing swim, or a backyard barbecue - the hot and humid days can take a toll on you and your family. It may be tempting to let your guard down on vacation, but you can have fun and stay healthy away from home and take your healthy lifestyle with you. As your family plans quality time together, incorporate your regular healthy habits into your summer - or take advantage of the time to start new ones.
Take advantage of the summer weather to enjoy walks or light exercise, such as gardening. It may improve your balance, build muscle mass, lower blood pressure, improve cardiac health, and provide other health benefits both emotional and physical. Whether it's gardening or exercising, ease into it and gradually build your endurance. Watch the heat and your fluid intake, and you can enjoy summer in good health. There is much that you can do that will help you and your family stay cool and healthy during the upcoming hot winter months
. Now is the time to get ready for a healthy and safe summer that can help reduce the risks of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes and also allergies, eye injuries, immune system function and more and this summer is a great opportunity for everyone to think about simple ways to start being more active, eating better and creating a healthy lifestyle that can last a lifetime.
Summer Infections and Conditions
There are many infections that are more common in the summer and can cause symptoms. Among the viruses that can commonly cause infections in the summer include enteroviruses, parainfluenza, and poliovirus. It is also important to keep in mind that different parts of the world have different seasonal patterns for when infections occur. So, if you are from the United States and you visit another area of the world on your summer vacation,' then you may be exposed to people that are in the peak of their flu season. Or if you are around a lot of tourists, they can bring the infection to you.
Another important cause of infections and illness in the summer months is food poisoning or food borne illnesses. Warmer weather, which help bacteria to multiply faster, and the increased number of cookouts and picnics in the summer, help to contribute to a rise in food poisoning during this time of year.
A variety of information regarding health issues that typically arise in spring and summer, including a natural approach for alleviating allergies; recognizing and treating heat exhaustion and heat stroke; a spring-and-fall regimen of body cleansing; revving up your immune system and using vitamin E to nourish cells and reduce the signs of aging.
Travel Health
Preparing for a trip and vacations takes planning and time. Proper planning is the best way to stay healthy during your trip. According to Healthwise Incorporated, a nonprofit organization, you should see a doctor at least 6 weeks before you go so that you'll have time for immunizations and other health precautions you may need to take in advance. There are several factors to consider in preparing for a trip.
If you have health problems, carry a letter from you doctor describing your conditions, a list of your routine medications including their generic names, and written prescriptions for refills if you will be gone long. If you have diabetes, you can take precautions to prevent problems while traveling. Travel can make it hard to keep your blood sugar within a safe range because of changes in time zones, meal schedules, and types of foods available. Check your blood sugar level more often during your time away from home. When traveling, take extra diabetes pills and insulin supplies. You may not find your regular supplies wherever you travel. Double your normal amount of needed supplies for short trips. For long trips, have enough extra supplies to last for 2 weeks more than the length of your trip. To keep your blood sugar level, try to eat and take your medicine as close to your usual schedule as you can.
Summer Health Tips
- Drink plenty of water; your body needs it to prevent dehydration during warm summer days. Take bottles of water with you, if you're going out for any length of time. Remember, infants and toddlers can become dehydrated much more easily than adults, so be sure they get lots of liquids.
- If you have asthma or other respiratory problems, watch the air quality report for the day. Limit your time outdoors on days that have moderate to poor air quality outlooks. Plus, don't forget to take your inhaler or other medication when you go out.
- Wear appropriate shoes for your outdoor activities. If you're doing a lot of walking or other sports activities, skip those stylish summer sandals. Avoid blisters and sprains by choosing a good pair of walking shoes. Wear them with comfortable, cotton socks.
- Take a rest. Don't push beyond your physical limits. At intervals, sit in a shady spot.
- Take cover. Sunburn is painful and unhealthy. Use a good sunscreen, and re-apply it frequently during the day. Also, wear a hat to keep cool and shaded.
- Use sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun rays.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing to help you stay cooler.
- Don't forget sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun's UV rays.
- Maintain your energy level by limiting your intake of fat and sugar; focus on carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables.
- Consume alcohol in moderation, and don't drink at all near the time that you may be driving.
- If you are traveling by air, put prescription drugs in your carry-on bag, not your checked luggage. Travelers and their baggage are sometimes parted, and it may be dangerous to skip even one dose.
- It is particularly important to bring medicines with you if you are traveling abroad. Drug names, doses, and availability differ in different countries, and in some parts of the world, drug safety and effectiveness may not be up to U.S. standards.
- Check the labels on your medicines for the possibility that they might increase your sensitivity to sun and/or heat.
- Don't store medicines in the trunk or glove compartment of your car or take them to the beach unless you will need them there. High heat and humidity can alter the potency of many drugs.
- If you are traveling with small children, make sure that all drugs are in containers with child-resistant caps. It may be difficult to keep medicine out of reach or under lock and key the way you would at home.
- Taking bath twice a day is advisable.
