Summer is known as the season of fun and relaxation. Your focus for the season is probably about maximizing your days in the sun, hanging out poolside, and seeing your friends for bonfires and other outdoor activities.
While you should definitely be getting excited about plans and enjoying the long days and nice weather, that doesn’t mean you can let your guard down when it comes to your health. Just like with any season, summer brings with it certain health hazards you need to be conscious of. Make a mental note about these summer health risks below, so you can be proactive with your health and continue the summer fun all season!
Heat Illness
The hot temperatures and humidity of summer (especially here in Texas) can quickly cause your body temperature to spike if you’re not careful. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can be very serious, so it’s important to keep an eye out for symptoms of either in yourself and others. Help prevent heat illness by limiting time in the sun, staying hydrated, and resting frequently.
Sun Damage
Too much sun (i.e., too many UV rays) can be harmful to your skin and eyes. Most of us know the pain of sunburn, but the sun can also cause sun spots, wrinkles, eye damage, and with overexposure over time, skin cancer. Protect yourself by applying sunscreen liberally throughout the day and wearing sunglasses.
Dehydration
Your body sweats more in the summer heat, which means you’re losing water faster compared to other seasons. During the summer, you should be drinking water constantly; as much as 2-4 liters a day, depending on your size and activity level. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink, because then you’re already dehydrated. Dehydration symptoms to watch for include extreme thirst, infrequent urination, dark urine, fatigue, confusion, and dizziness.
Insect Bites
Many different bugs and spiders are out and about, sometimes in your house, during the warmer months. If you get bitten, the results can range from itchy and annoying to serious or even deadly. Ticks and mosquitoes, for example, can carry diseases like Lyme and West Nile, respectively, while certain spider bites can be poisonous. If you’re heading to a buggy situation, such as a camping trip or public park, be sure to wear insect repellant and, if you can tolerate it, long sleeves and baggy pants.
At BEK Medical, we have the at-home medical products you need to keep moving and stay healthy in every season! From home mobility services and bed and bath safety supplies to daily living aids and rehab equipment, we have everything you need to make your health, wellness, and happiness a priority.
Browse our full range of products online today!
