Stay Safe and Healthy this Summer
Summer is finally here and for many of us, this will result in more time spent outdoor with a possible increase in social gatherings. Take a natural approach and keep your family safe during the upcoming hot summer months.
1. Mosquitoes: are mainly attracted to carbon dioxide exhaled by our breath, sweet scented fragrances, heat and body odors emanating from our skin (ex: lactic acid found in sweat). Unlike certain beliefs, mosquitoes are not attracted to "sweet blood" as our blood is not sweet but rather is a little salty primarily due to the inorganic salts found in our blood. Several studies have also found that type O blood types may be more attractive to mosquitoes.
Natural insect repellents: lemongrass, eucalyptus, lemon or tea tree oils are known to be effective mosquito repellents. If you have a water pond, you can plant aquatic flowers to attract dragonflies. According to Smithsonian Magazine, a single dragonfly can eat hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Water your lawn before sunrise: watering your lawn in the evening may encourage mosquitoes to breed since the water will not evaporate as the temperature is cooler at night and, mosquitoes thrive in a warm and moist environment. Also discard any stagnant water around your property, it will discourage mosquitoes to lay their eggs.
Insect bite relief : you can try plant-based gels containing aloe vera, cooling menthol gels, even white or apple cider vinegar.
2. Protect your skin: our skin is the largest organ of our body and is primarily responsible for producing Vitamin D, when exposed to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Although a small amount of daily sun exposure can be highly beneficial to our overall health, it can also present many dangers especially during the summer months hence, sunburns. The strength of the sun’s UV rays depends on a number of factors such as the time of day, season of the year or even the altitude, more UV rays reach the ground at higher elevations. It's also important to know that UV rays can get through even on a cloudy day.
Sun protection: wear comfortable protective clothing, stay in the shade, avoid sun exposure when the UV rays are stronger (especially between 10 am and 4 pm), stay informed with your local environmental updates on the UV index levels (lowest and highest times of the day) then plan your outdoor activities accordingly.
Mild sunburn relief: aloe vera gel, cold compress (do not apply ice), or you can also mix one cup of oatmeal (or baking soda) into a cool bath, and then bathe in the water for 20-30 minutes.
3. Protect your eyes: UV rays impact our central vision and can damage the macula which is a part of our retina in the back of our eye. UVB rays are most known for their role in causing sunburns and skin reddening but they can also have an effect on your eye and cause permanent damage.
Eye protection tips: choose your sunglasses carefully by checking the label to make sure the lenses provide maximum UV protection, wear a hat in addition to your sunglasses, avoid peak hours when the sun is strongest, avoid staring directly at the sun, lakes or any other reflective objects such as mirrors.
4. Heat-related illnesses are serious conditions: Heat exhaustion begins with general muscle weakness, sudden excessive sweating, nausea and vomiting, and possible fainting. Heat exhaustion is a result of our body overheating. A Heat stroke is when our body's internal temperature reaches over 103°F. Signs and symptoms can include: cool and moist skin with goose bumps, heavy sweating, dizziness, muscle cramps, weak or rapid pulse, etc.
How to beat the heat: stay well hydrated, limit strenuous activities on hotter days, wear lightweight or loose fitting clothing, stay in an air-conditioned place whenever possible, or eat cooling foods such as watermelon.
For any severe or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Did You Know…?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the belief is that all foods carry their own energy and this energy is broken down into two forces: Yin or Yang. Yin foods are commonly referred to as ‘cold’ foods because they have a cooling effect on the body and Yang foods are known as ‘hot’ foods, bringing heat or warmth to the body. A weak yin can cause to body to overheat.
Cooling food ideas: lettuce and vegetable salads, raw sprouts, fresh fruit (especially watermelon and peaches), cucumber, celery, seaweed, yogurt, and fish. You can add cucumber, mint and/or lemon slices to water for a refreshing drink. Best to avoid foods that are very heating including: hot spicy food or spices, meat in general, fried foods.
5. Food safety and handling: the risk of food poisoning increases during the summer because harmful bacteria grow quickly in warm, moist conditions. Ensuring the safety of food can be challenging this time of year because temperatures are warmer and we often cook outdoors during picnics, barbecues, and camping trips.
Food safety tips: always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food, keep raw and cooked foods in separate plates and ensure to keep perishable foods cold. Make sure your BBQ grills are clean prior to cooking to prevent food poisoning and, keep cutting tools and preparing surfaces clean to avoid cross-contamination.
6. Other healthy tip: prepare your vitamins & supplements (or prescribed medications) ahead of time and make sure to bring along with you on your next outing, travel and/or social event, as it could be life-saving (such as an EpiPen for severe allergic reactions).
And remember to have FUN and stay COOL this summer!
This information is not intended to provide any medical advice.
References:
McVean, A. (2019, July 5). Why Mosquitos Bite You and How to Make Them Stop. Office for Science and Society. https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/health-technology/why-mosquitos-bite-you-and-how-make-them-stop.
Zielinski, S. (2011, October 5). 14 Fun Facts About Dragonflies. Smithsonian.com. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/14-fun-facts-about-dragonflies-96882693/?fbclid=IwAR2gzQqBgV-vj2weLOZO_2rqjg-Iux0Zjy9jLwKwhFsiMPYuJlZlgBysKJY.
The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team. (2019, July 23). How Do I Protect Myself from Ultraviolet (UV) Rays? https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/CRC/PDF/Public/9419.00.pdf.
James. (n.d.). 10 Home Remedies For Sunburn. https://10faq.com/health/sunburn-home-remedies/.
UV Protection: How To Protect Your Eyes From the Sun. Specialty Eye Institute. (2021, April 13). https://www.specialtyeyeinstitute.com/uv-protect-eyes/.
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2020, November 10). Heat exhaustion. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-exhaustion/symptoms-causes/syc-20373250.
Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke: CCMH- Lawton, Oklahoma. Comanche County Memorial Hospital. (2020, July 1). https://www.ccmhhealth.com/heat-exhaustion-vs-heat-stroke/.
Inspired, D. Y. L. N. (2019, January 16). Yin and Yang Foods: The TCM Perspective on Diet and Health. DYLN. https://www.dyln.co/blogs/y-blog/yin-and-yang-foods-for-diet-and-health.
Canada, H. (2013, January 7). Government of Canada. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/seasonal-food-safety/summer-food-safety-tips.html.
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