Health Under the Sun

posted May 13, 2010

Summer time means more time spent outdoors. It also means hotter tempeatures, increased airborne pollen, and the prevalence of pesky insects such as mosquitoes. Here are some tips on how to maintain your health so you can enjoy summer to the fullest!

• Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Take special care with infants and toddlers as they can become more quickly dehydrated than adults. You should also limit the amount of alcoholic and sugary drinks you consume.
• Keep an eye on air quaility reports if you suffer from asthma or other respiratory ailments. Bring medication and inhalers with you when you go out just in case.
• Get plenty of rest and don't over-exert yourself.
• Avoid direct sun exposure during peak times of the day.
• Use sunscreen that offers UVA and UVB protection with a minimum SPF factor of 15.
• Wear sunglasses with adequate UV ray protection.
• Stay cool by wearing light, loose-fitting clothes.
• Maintain energy by limiting fat and sugar intake. Instead focus on carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid insect bites by using insect repellant. Also avoid scented soaps and lotions which may attract mosquitoes. Mosquitoes come out in greater numbers from dusk to dawn. If you are outside during those times cover up your arms and legs as best you can.
• Watch for symptoms of heat stress or heat stroke such as: thirst, dizziness, cramps, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headaches and fever.