How the Summer Heat Throws You Out of Whack
By Sara Butler
Summer is in full swing! You may be enjoying the sunshine and the time outdoors, but in actuality, the heat of summer can really mess with your body. High temperatures can be sneaky and throw the delicate balance of your body out of whack. Here are some of the ways humid, hot weather can take a toll on your health.
You’re Sneezing and Sniffling
Summer weather causes plants and grasses to bloom, releasing pollen. That pollen can be a real killer to those with even mild allergies, causing sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses all summer long. You don’t have to just take it, though. You can work to reduce your symptoms by keeping tabs on daily pollen counts and staying inside if the count is too high. If that’s not feasible, then try to limit your outdoor activities to the end of the day when pollen levels go down. Make sure to keep your windows shut at home, too.
You Don’t Get Enough Sleep
Sleeping well all night requires a comfortable temperature – and that can be difficult to find in the summertime. The air conditioning may be making you too cold but the heat outside is too hot to leave it off. What should you do? The ideal nighttime temperature for sleep is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit, according to sleep.org. Anything above or below that can have an impact on sleep quality, so try adjusting your thermostat at night to help you get better sleep.
Mosquito Bites
Spending time outside when the weather is warm is one of the perks of summer. But that perk comes with a consequence – mosquitoes. Mosquitoes spread diseases such as Zika and West Nile Virus, so you don’t want to be their unwitting buffet. Make sure you protect yourself when you’re enjoying time outdoors this summer by using an insect repellent. It has to contain DEET too because that’s one of the only things that have been found to really keep mosquitoes and other disease-carrying critters away.
If you do get bitten, try your best not to scratch. It can be tough but scratching can create an open wound that can lead to infection. If your bites are just too itchy to ignore, try a hydrocortisone cream or aloe vera gel on it. You can also put an ice cube directly on the bite to help with inflammation and itching.
Don't let the heat get the best of your this summer!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Albuquerque, N.M.