| |
Summer
Health Tips
|
Sunscreen |
The ultraviolet (UV) portion of sunlight
is an invisible form of radiation that can penetrate and change
the structure of skin cells. It penetrates through clouds and
haze and can be reflected towards a person by just about any
surface including water, cement, sand and snow. You should protect
yourself year round against UV light but especially in the late
spring and early summer.
UV rays are most dangerous between 11am and 3pm. Limit direct
exposure to the sun during these times. Exposure to UV has been
associated with the development of serious diseases like, skin
cancer, lip cancer and various forms of eye damage, such as
cataracts.
|
|
Protect yourself against UV rays by applying sunscreen
with SPF 15 or higher at least 30 minutes before going outdoors.
Re-apply after swimming and exercise and as suggested by manufacturer.
Make sure the sunscreen includes protection against both UVA
and UVB.
|
|
|
Wear sunglasses that protect 100% against both
UVA and UVB.
|
|
Clothing |
|
|
Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting
clothing. In the hot sun, cover your head with a piece of cloth
or a wide-brimmed hat that will provide shade and keep your
head cool. |
|
|
If you can't find shade during peak hours, cover
your skin with long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
|
|
Staying cool indoors without an air-conditioner |
|
|
In a heat wave an electric fan will not prevent
heat-related illnesses; however, electric fans may be useful
to increase comfort and to draw cool air into your home at night.
|
|
|
A cool shower or bath is an effective way to
cool your body.
|
|
|
Use the stove and oven less to maintain a cooler
temperature.
|
|
|
Consider spending a few hours a day in a shopping
mall or any air-conditioned facility to cool down.
|
|
Monitoring |
Those at greatest risk of heat-related illness
include:
|
|
|
infants and children up to four years of age
|
|
|
people 65 years of age or older
|
|
|
people who are overweight
|
|
|
people who over-exert during work or exercise
|
|
|
people who are ill or on certain medications
Monitor co-workers, friends and family members who are at high
risk. Check in on them at least twice a day during a heat wave.
|
|
Water |
In hot weather you should substantially increase
your water intake.
|
|
|
Avoid alcoholic beverages because they cause
you to lose more fluids.
|
|
|
During heavy exercise drink two to four glasses
of water an hour.
|
|
|
Drink very cold drinks slowly to avoid stomach
cramps.
|
|
Salt and Minerals |
Your body loses a lot of salt and minerals from
heavy sweating. The safest way to replenish fluids is to drink
fruit juices and sports beverages during heavy activity.
Do not take salt tablets.
|
|
Swimming |
|
|
Do not swallow the water!
|
|
|
Protect your child against sunburn by using a
sunscreen with at least SPF 24 and both UVA and UVB protection,
and be sure to re-apply it after swimming.
|
|
People with blue eyes and fair skin should use
sunscreen with a higher SPF.
|
|
|
Keep an eye on children at all times. Never allow
your children to swim alone.
|
|
|
Do not allow your child to chew gum or eat while
swimming or playing in the water.
|
|
|
Chewing or eating while swimming could cause
choking.
|
|
|
Make sure chlorine levels are maintained properly.
In high temperature baths and spas chlorine may evaporate quickly.
|
|
|
Do not allow children to play or wade in ornamental
water fountains because many skin diseases are associated with
it. Fountains are rarely cleaned or chlorinated.
|
|
|
Do not swim in restricted areas.
|
|
Contaminated Food and Water |
Contaminated food and drink are the major sources
of stomach or intestinal illness while traveling.
|
|
|
In areas with poor sanitation, only the following
beverages may be safe to drink: boiled water, hot beverages
(such as coffee or tea) made with boiled water, canned or bottled
beverages, beer and wine. Ice may be made from unsafe water
and should be avoided.
|
|
|
Water on the surface of a beverage can or bottle
may also be contaminated, so the area of a can or bottle that
will touch the mouth should be wiped clean.
|
|
|
Food should be selected with care. Any raw food
could be contaminated, particularly in areas of poor sanitation.
Foods of particular concern include salads, uncooked vegetables
and fruit, unpasteurized milk and milk products (including ice
cream), raw meat and shellfish. If you peel fruit yourself,
it is generally safe.
|
|
|
Some fish are not guaranteed to be safe even
when cooked because of the presence of toxins in their flesh.
|
