Summer is a fantastic time of year, and most of the time, life just feels easier once you get there – the evenings are lighter, you get sunny morning, and life can just slow down a bit for some reason. But although summer can do wonders for mood and motivation, the fact is that there can be some hidden health risks too, that you’ll want to avoid. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more.
Dehydration Happens Faster Than You Think
Most people actually underestimate how quickly they can get dehydrated, but the truth is that warm weather means your body loses fluids faster than normal through sweat, and by the time you feel thirsty, you’re already slightly dehydrated, which is something that not a lot of people realise. You’ll have symptoms like headache, dizziness, and tiredness, and if that’s the case, dehydration is probably the cause.
The fix is so easy, and that’s possibly why people tend to forget to do it – you’ve got to drink water regularly, and not just when you feel thirsty. It’s wise to carry a bottle with you, especially during outdoor activities, and try not to rely too much on caffeine or alcohol which can make dehydration worse.
Protect Your Skin And Eyes
Sunburn is one of the most obvious summer health risks, but its effects are a lot worse than just a bit of temporary pain and discomfort. It’s scary but important to know that repeated sun exposure can lead to long-term skin damage, and it can also increase the risk of skin cancer. That’s why it’s best to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply every couple of hours, remembering to do the often missed places like the tops of your ears, back of your neck, and feet.
And just as important are sunglasses that block UV rays – they’ll protect your eyes and reduce strain from glare, so they’re handy if you’re driving too.
Keep Tech Cool
Heat doesn’t just affect people – it can also affect the tools and devices we rely on every day. For anyone using hearing aids, for example, it’s worth remembering that summer heat and hearing devices don’t mix very well, and too much exposure to high temperatures or humidity can damage batteries and delicate components, so it’s best to store them somewhere cool and dry when you’re not using them.
Watch For Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are more common than a lot of people realize, especially when there’s a sudden heatwave, and spending long hours outdoors without taking any breaks or being in the shade can raise your body temperature to dangerous levels. Watch out for feeling confused, nauseated, feeling a rapid heartbeat, and having clammy skin.
If you do start to feel unwell, it’s best to move somewhere cooler, drink water, and rest. And ideally, it’s best not to go outside during the hottest times of the day altogether if possible.
Final Thoughts
Summer is meant to be all about having a good time, not being uncomfortable, and the good news is that most of the risks can be avoided once you know what they are. If you can take care of yourself, and everyone around you, you can enjoy the summer safely and spend more time soaking up the good parts that make it worth waiting for all year long.
