Risks to Your Health in the Summer
By Sara Butler
Summer is the time of year people look forward to the most. There’s nothing quite as nice as going outside and enjoying activities in the summer sun, but this also means you need to take steps to ensure you’re protecting yourself from the dangers to your health brought on by the season. Here are a few of the dangers you need to be on the lookout for and what you can do to protect you and your family.
Skin Cancer
The sun is glorious but it is also damaging to your skin. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer people are diagnosed with – one million people a year get this diagnosis. If it is caught in the early stages it can usually be treated effectively, but you are at a higher risk of developing it if you:
- Have been sunburned
- Spend a lot of time in the sun
- Have fair skin, eyes, and hair
- Have had a family member diagnosed with skin cancer
- Are over 50
Make sure you look over your skin every few months and wear sunscreen when out and enjoying the summer sun. A hat and shades never hurt anyone, either!
Food Poisoning
The Centers for Disease Control estimate 76 million people a year get food poisoning – that’s a pretty grim statistic for a grim situation. When you’re outside at a barbeque this summer, make sure you take the appropriate measures to keep your food from spoiling. Don’t let things that should be refrigerated outside for more than two hours and always make sure your meat is grilled up to temperature.
Dehydration
The summer sun and heat can make you dehydrated before you know it. Make sure you have water on hand when you’re out in the sun with your family and make sure your kids drink it too when they’re outside. You should be drinking at least half of your weight in ounces of water a day, and that goes for your children too.
Bug Bites
Bugs in the summertime, such as mosquitoes and ticks, can carry some really nasty viruses that can make you very sick. You should take measures to prevent bug bites when you’re outside by wearing protective clothing and using bug repellent to keep them away.
You should still enjoy the summer as much as you can, but make sure you take steps to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you by learning about the special things you should be on the lookout for in this warm season.