Summer is here! Time for sunshine, vacations, and making memories with loved ones. But with all that fun comes some potential health hazards to watch out for. Don’t worry, Impact TV is here to help! Here are the top 10 summer health conditions and some easy tips to keep you and your family healthy all season long:
Top 10 Summer Health Hazards:
- Heatstroke and Exhaustion happen when your body can’t cool down. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, and feeling hot.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even before you feel thirsty.
- Seek shade and air conditioning: Take breaks from the sun, especially during the hottest part of the day.
- Dress cool and light: Wear breathable clothing like cotton.
- Sunburns: Ouch! Sunburns can be painful and even dangerous.
- Sunscreen is your friend: Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
- Seek shade: Especially during peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm).
- Wear protective clothing: Hats, sunglasses, and lightweight long sleeves can help shield you from the sun’s rays.
- Dehydration: Sweating in the heat can lead to dehydration, making you feel tired and weak.
- Drink plenty of water: Keep a reusable water bottle with you and sip throughout the day.
- Limit sugary drinks: They can dehydrate you even more.
- Eat water-rich fruits and vegetables: Watermelon, cucumber, and berries are all great options.
- Foodborne Illness: Nobody wants a tummy ache! Bacteria can grow faster in hot weather, especially on food left outside.
- Keep food cold: Pack lunches with ice packs and refrigerate leftovers promptly.
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
- Cook food thoroughly: Meat, poultry, and seafood should be cooked to the proper temperature.
- Insect bites: Mosquitoes, ticks, and bees can be a nuisance. Some bites can even transmit diseases.
- Use insect repellent: Choose a repellent with DEET and follow the instructions on the label.
- Wear long sleeves and pants, Especially when spending time in tall grass or wooded areas.
- Do a tick check: After spending time outdoors, check yourself and your family for ticks, especially in warm, moist areas like behind the knees or in hair.
- Pool & Beach Safety: Water can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to be safe.
- Adult supervision is a must: Never leave children unattended around water, no matter how shallow.
- Learn to swim: Enroll yourself and your children in swimming lessons.
- Follow pool rules: Pay attention to lifeguards and posted signs.
- Don’t swim alone: Especially in unfamiliar water, swim with a buddy.
- Eye Injuries: Sunglasses aren’t just for fashion!
- Protect your eyes from the sun: Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.
- Be careful with fireworks and sparklers: Leave fireworks to the professionals and supervise children around sparklers.
- Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac: These itchy rashes are no fun!
- Learn to identify these plants: Plenty of online resources can help.
- Avoid contact: If you see poison ivy, oak, or sumac, stay clear!
- Wash exposed skin immediately: If you come into contact, wash the affected area with soap and water as soon as possible.
- Increased Allergies: Pollen counts can increase in summer, triggering allergies.
- Know your triggers: If you have allergies, talk to your doctor about ways to manage them.
- Stay informed: Check pollen forecasts and stay indoors on high pollen days.
- Over-the-counter medications: Antihistamines can help alleviate allergy symptoms.
- Mental Health: Summer can be stressful too! Missing school routines and changes in schedules can impact mental well-being.
- Maintain routines as much as possible: Even on vacation, try to stick to a regular sleep schedule and meal times.
- Relaxation techniques: Practice yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to manage stress.
- Family time: Make time for activities you enjoy together. Creating positive memories can boost everyone’s mood.
Staying Healthy with Impact TV:
At Impact TV, we believe in healthy families! Throughout the summer, we’ll feature shows like Urban MD promoting healthy living and staying active. Tune in for:
- Fitness programs: Our fun and engaging fitness shows inspire you to move your body.
- Healthy cooking demonstrations: Learn how to prepare delicious and nutritious meals for summer barbecues or light lunches.
- Documentaries about health and wellness: Discover inspiring stories of people overcoming health challenges and living their best lives.
With a little planning and some simple precautions, you can have a fantastic summer filled with fun, memories, and good health. So, slather on the sunscreen, grab a reusable water bottle, and get ready to enjoy all that summer has to offer! Impact TV will be here with you every step of the way, providing entertainment and inspiration to keep your family healthy and happy all season long.
