Summer is normally fun but the heat and humidity often take a toll on an individual’s health. The summer germs are out in full force, hiding in pools, public bathrooms and in picnic foods. Bacteria thrive in the season’s heat, and the infections they trigger can cast a dark shadow on a sunny day. However, a little caution can help keep the season safe and hygienic. Here are some of the problems associated with summer and how to avoid them:
Avoiding Dry Eyes
· The summer head can rob a person’s eyes of lubrication and moisture.
· This condition can manifest itself as irritation, redness, blurring vision, burning sensation and whitish discharge from the eyes.
· To avoid this, always wear shades whenever you are going out in the sun.
· Ensure your shades have a broad rim to provide maximum coverage.
· Invest in a pair of shades that offers 99% UV protection. Remember, a dark lens has nothing to do with the effectiveness of the shades.
· Remember, the air conditioner can also cause your eyes to dry. Ensure that the air draft does not fall directly on your eyes.
Avoiding Heat Exhaustion
· In case you are overwhelmed by very high atmospheric pressure, your body’s heat regulating system may fail, leading to a high body temperature and dehydration. Early symptoms may include thirst, sweat, muscle cramps and headache.
· To prevent this, keep yourself well hydrated always. Have no less than two litres of water daily or even more if you sweat a lot.
· Avoid exposing yourself to harsh sunlight and use an umbrella, hat or a scarf whenever you go out.
· Workout indoors and if you must go for a jog in the park, choose to go after sunset or the early hours of the day.
Avoiding Stomach Infections Germs
· These germs multiply very fast in hot and humid weather, cause many food and water borne diseases.
· To avoid these, maintain good hygiene and have fresh foods as much as possible. Avoid taking foods that have been kept out for long without being covered.
· To kill the food-borne bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, it is recommended that you cook cuts of meat to an internal temperature of 145 degrees and wait for at least three minutes before you dig it.
· Keep your meat hot until eating time, and don’t let it sit out for more than two hours.
· Have plenty of fluids and foods that are easily digestible. You can take yoghurt or any other probiotic drink to increase the amount of good bacteria.
Avoiding Prickly Heat
· Whenever you sweat a lot, bacteria and dead skin can block he sweat glands, causing rush, itching and inflammation.
· To avoid these, keep your skin dry, put on loose cotton clothes, exfoliate your skin often and avoid using oily moisturisers.
· Bathe twice daily and mop away the moisture.
· Use anti-perspiration deodorants in the underarms and talc on your neck, groin and chest to keep these areas dry.
Avoiding Suntan
· When a person gets too much of the sun, the skin reacts by increasing the protective pigment, melanin to the skin’s superficial layer. Since melanin is darker, you will notice a tan on your skin.
· Whether you burn or tan will greatly depend on the type of your skin. For instance, darker individuals tan much easily and deeply whereas fair-skinned individuals are more likely to burn.
· To prevent tan, slather sunscreen on your skin. Apply the sunscreen half an hour before you go out so that it is well absorbed. Remember to reapply after every two to three hours.
I really hope the above mentioned tips to protect yourself from infections this summer will help you enjoy the season as you should. In case you suffer from an infection, remember to see a doctor as soon as possible. Use your e111 card to pay for the treatment cost. Also remember to keep your cuts wrapped and take care of your bites and burns to avoid further infection.