Summer as everyone knows is the warmest part
of the year occurring between spring and autumn, but the months
that are assigned to the summer season is different in different
hemispheres of the earth. In the northern hemisphere, it constitutes
of June, July, and August months. Astronomically, summer extends
from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox in the northern
hemisphere and in the southern hemisphere from the winter
solstice to the vernal equinox.
Because summer happens to be the
hottest season of the year, it also happens to be the holiday
season for all the student fraternity all over the world,
and so we are compelled to “celebrate” this hot
holiday season, though with huff and puff.
Let’s see how we can manage
the major “summer issues” effectively through
the respective recommendations.
1. Sun
Tan/Sun Burn: Going out in the sun on a hot summer
day causes our skin cells (melanocytes) to produce a skin
pigment called “melanin” that absorbs the ultraviolet
rays of the sun and causes a tan, this takes 5 to 7 days.
This protects the skin from skin cancer. So, dark–skinned
people are better protected from UV rays and are less prone
to skin cancer, Albinos do not have the protective pigment
at all. The fair-skinned do not have enough pigment. So, they
don’t tan, but just burn. The reddishness of the skin
is caused by inflammation of the cells caused by UV rays.
Sometimes blisters also result from sun burn.
Recommendations:Wear a sun screen on all sunny days 30 minutes before
going out. Look at the SPF (sun protection factor) on sunscreens.
They range from 2 to 70. Higher the SPF, greater is the length
of sun protection. They should be applied to kids also since
sun exposure is more till our teens. This will protect them
from skin cancer later in life.
Wear protective hats or umbrellas
when out in the sun.
Natural remedies for sun tan
or burn is applying honey, egg white, cucumber juice, tomato
juice, lemon juice, Aloe Vera, rose water, milk etc and washing
after sometime..
2. Summer
Diseases: Most common infections are enteroviruses
(stomach bugs), parainfluenza (respiratory bugs) and poliovirus
(polio), rhino virus (common cold) can also occur. Contagious
respiratory infections are common among children in summer.
Mosquito-borne infections caused
by the arboviruses are common and can cause West Nile encephalitis,
St. Louis encephalitis and dengue fever. They are more common
specifically in the late summer.
Tick-borne diseases include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted
Fever, and ehrlichiosis. So, take note of any sickness that
follows a tick bite.
Food poisoning or food-borne illnesses are another important
aspect of summer as the bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments.
Being the holiday season, allows for more picnics, cookouts
etc.
Naegleria fowleri causes amebic meningoencephalitis, a rapid
and fatal infection affecting kids who swim in warm, polluted
and stagnant water, such as a lake or poorly-chlorinated swimming
pool.
Recommendations:Antibiotics
may be required for stomach bugs, fever, or any infection
symptoms.
Chemical mosquito repellents like DEET and picaridin may be
used. Natural products like citronella, lemon eucalyptus oil,
thyme, fennel, clove oil, neem oil, garlic etc are also good
enough..
Natural method of controlling ticks and mosquitoes is rearing
chickens and other poultry in the backyard that which simply
feed over them.
Wearing long-sleeved tucked in, long pants, and hats to cover
exposed skin may help prevent bites of ticks and fleas. Wearing
boots, not sandals, and tucking pants into socks will help.
Remember mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends
appropriate vaccines for all age groups travelling to particular
disease zones.
3. Summer foods/hydration: Summer
foods should be light and easily digestible. Summer foods
should cater to the special need of cooling our body. It is
the nature’s way to produce seasonal foods to fit the
requirement of the season.
Recommendations:Basically less
cooked foods of, fruits, berries, salad greens, asparagus,
cucumbers, peas, green beans, corn, tomatoes, etc., all come
during this season. Liquid coolers, fruit juices are a must.
We must drink enough fluids/water to make good the excessive
loss of fluids from our body (dehydration). Alcohol and caffeine
are diuretics, and can contribute to dehydration and heat
exhaustion. Treatment of severe dehydration and heat stroke
is a medical emergency. Treatment of dehydration typically
requires both the replacement of water loss as well as restoration
of normal concentrations of electrolytes within the body fluid.
So, now just take a plunge
into this summer season with cool cottons and cool glasses
to cool destinations with care.
Watch the Video: Staying Safe in Heat
Disclaimer: This video is included
for your awareness only. Check your physician for any questions.
Really? Sneezing ...
If you
try to suppress a sneeze, you can rupture a blood vessel
in your head or neck.
Disclaimer: The above content is provided
for information and awareness purpose only. It is not prescriptive
or suggestive or meant to replaces your qualified physician's
advice or consultation.