Richard Soper: Health Risks You Should Look Out For This Sumer

Summer is a wonderful time to spend and enjoy your time on vacation and relaxation, not sickness. As a physician, I, Richard Soper, know very well that there are many health risks people do not consider before they head out for their vacation trips, no matter how common these sicknesses are during the summertime. Continue reading if you want to keep yourself, your family, and your friends safe and healthy this season. I, Richard Soper, have listed below some of the common summertime health risks and essential information about them.

Sunburn

I believe most of us know what sunburn is. It is the term used to refer to the red and painful, sometimes swollen, skin caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Your skin might feel warm when touched. You may also experience itchiness, minor swelling, and fluid-filled blisters, depending on the severity of the burn. You should wait until your skin heals on its own; usually, you will see peeling on your skin. To avoid having a sunburn, as much as possible do not go out when the sun is warmest, cover yourself as much as possible, and apply sunscreen early before you go and often when you are outside.

Heat Stroke

Also known as sunstroke, heatstroke is a type of severe heat illness that results in a body temperature higher than 104.0deg F (40.0deg C). Other than your temperature, symptoms include red, dry, or damp skin, headache, and dizziness. Summertime brings hot weather and can sometimes put you at a higher risk of suffering from overheating. Heatstroke is caused not only by too much exposure from extreme temperatures but also by too much physical activity. If you plan to go outside on a hot day, wear light clothes, stay hydrated, and do your best to do your activities early in the morning or later in the evening.

Eye Damage

Too much exposure to the heat of the sun does damage not only your skin but also your eyes. This condition is called photokeratitis, which involves inflammation of the cornea. You may experience eye pain, headache, excessive tearing, redness, and blurry vision if your eyes get too much ultraviolet (UV) light. You must protect your eyes from damage. Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses or wearing a hat with a visor.