7 scary summer health hazards and how to prevent them
Sunny days spent tanning on the beach, enjoying picnics in the park, and sipping cool lemonade on the patio. What could possibly go wrong on a glorious summer day? Well, actually, quite a lot. From picnic food poisoning to sea lice (WTF?), there are many health hazards that can totally ruin your summer.
While we’re not looking to kill your buzz, we want to ensure that your summer is both fun and safe. With this in mind, here are 7 potential summer health hazards and tips for preventing them.
Sea lice
Causing rashes, severe itching, and sometimes, flu-like symptoms, reports of sea lice outbreaks are on the rise this summer. So, what are sea lice and how can you avoid them? They’re the larvae of adult jellyfish and they can oddly be avoided by wearing less clothing in the water. It’s finally time to bring out those itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny bikinis!
Picnic food poisoning
Nothing ruins a romantic picnic faster than food poisoning. According to the USDA, products that include dairy, eggs and meat (hello, egg and tuna finger sandwiches!) can spoil quickly when left out for more than two hours in the heat. When packing a picnic basket, always remember to keep everything refrigerated for as long as possible, and be sure to pack extra ice.
Dehydration
Between playing frisbee with your friends and rollerblading in the park, you’ve been too busy having fun to replenish that empty water bottle. By now you’ve worked up a serious sweat, but you haven’t taken in any liquids so chances are you’re feeling somewhat dizzy and lightheaded. While it seems obvious, be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration this summer. It’s recommended that men drink approximately 16 cups of water per day, while women should drink approximately 11 cups.
Recreational water illness
Don’t let recreational water illnesses (RWIs) ruin your poolside fun. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, RWIs are caused by swallowing or swimming in germ-infested water. While RWIs most commonly result in diarrhea, they can also lead to more severe infections. So how can you keep safe at the water park this summer? Check that the pool appears well maintained, because well maintained pools are less likely to spread germs. If you’re still unsure, confirm with the lifeguard on duty. Also, check yourself for any open wounds and be sure to cover any cuts or piercings with a waterproof bandage. While you certainly don’t want to get an RWI, you also don’t want to be the one who contaminates others. Lastly, be sure to wash away spreadable germs by taking a shower both before and after entering any pool.
Lyme disease
No one wants to go on an adventurous outdoor hike and come home with Lyme disease. What is Lyme disease, you ask? It’s a pretty scary disease obtained from the bite of an infected tick (totally gross, we know). Thankfully, there are many ways to avoid being bitten by ticks. First, you can wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and you can tuck your pants into your socks. This prevents unwanted ticks from latching onto your skin. You can also apply an insect repellent containing DEET. Lastly, if you’ve been in and out of the woods, check your body for ticks when you shower.
UV skin threats
Water sports, like surfing and paddleboarding, are all the rave and summer’s ultimately the best time to try them. While it’s easy to forget your worries when you’re out paddling, stats show that UV radiation increases by 25% near water. That’s why it’s crucial that everyone, but especially those who spend a lot of time in the water, takes the necessary precautions to avoid UV skin damage. Most people think applying sunscreen is enough but SPF creams wash off (yes, even those waterproof ones), leaving skin vulnerable to the sun’s rays. So what can you do? Try to avoid the water when the sun is most powerful. That means you should be swimming in the morning and early evening, not in the middle of the afternoon. Wearing UV protective clothes, like these, is also highly recommended.
Giant hogweed
If you’ve never heard of giant hogweed before, you definitely need to have it on your radar this summer. Why fear a plant, you ask? Well, when combined with sunlight, the plant’s sap can cause rashes and burns—we’re talking third degree—and, in some cases, blindness with those who come into contact with it. Seeing as giant hogweed plants have made appearances all over Canada and the U.S., officials are asking people to familiarize themselves with what the plant looks like (see pics here) and avoid touching it at all costs. Should you come into contact, immediately wash the area with soap and water, seek a physician and avoid sunlight for at least 48 hours.
