Summer is often synonymous with a quiet getaway, or the opposite, a busy time. When camping or at summer camp, health issues can be avoided!
Sunny days are often the ticket to a successful vacation. But while warm, sunny days are great fun, unprotected exposure to the sun can be risky. Who hasn't experienced the discomfort and pain of a nasty sunburn?
In the long term, ultraviolet rays can also damage the skin, causing premature aging and contributing to the development of skin cancer. That's why it's important to protect yourself all summer long, especially during frequent, long-term outdoor activities.
Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen is an effective and affordable way to protect against the sun's harmful effects. However, there are a number of additional measures you can take to maximize sun protection. You will find them in the following article on sun protection: The harmful effects of the sun on skin and health. See also: Sunburn: how to care for your skin.
In summer, the temperature rises by several degrees. Be careful: very sunny, hot and humid weather can cause what's known as "heatstroke". The human body has certain mechanisms to stabilize internal temperature. Heatstroke occurs when the body "overheats” and is unable to cool down. Under certain conditions, this can be an emergency, requiring immediate medical attention.
To prevent heatstroke, several recommendations should be followed on particularly hot days, such as during a heat wave or in high-risk circumstances. These are described in the following article: Recognizing and preventing heatstroke.
Seasonal allergies can put a damper on the joys of summer. Are symptoms such as runny nose, itchy throat, red, watery eyes and endless sneezing stopping you from going outdoors? Are you reluctant to go outside for fear that your allergy symptoms will get worse? Come now! Don’t let allergies curb your enthusiasm―solutions exist.
There are many things you can do to reduce the discomfort caused by seasonal allergies, such as taking daily allergy medication. Speak to your pharmacist for additional information or read the following article: Allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies): recognize and ease the symptoms.
What could be more unpleasant than serving as a feast for mosquitoes? Insect bites are unpleasant, often causing symptoms such as redness, pain or itching. Some of them can also transmit infections: mosquitoes can carry the West Nile virus, and ticks the bacteria responsible for Lyme Disease.
Using an effective insect repellent and applying other protective measures are winning strategies for a bite- and worry-free summer. For answers to your questions ,read: Protection against insect bites using five questions!
It’s a known fact, insects are the source of all kinds of contradictory emotions: a source of fear for some people, and of wonder for others. When they bite or sting, it’s normal to feel resentment, especially as some insect bites can lead to significant symptoms and complications. Symptoms are often transient and may include itching, swelling or pain.
In the most minor cases, simple measures and topical treatments can help. In the event of a severe allergy, you should consult a doctor immediately. An infection resulting from an insect bite or sting will probably also require medical attention. It’s important to know what to do in the event of an insect bite. Speak to your pharmacist about it. Also read: First aid for insect stings.
Swimming, whether at the beach or in a pool, is an all-time favourite activity for children during summer vacation. However, it can increase the risk of an “outer ear” infection or “swimmer’s ear”, which occurs when water accumulates in the ear canal, causing inflammation and promoting bacterial growth.
Symptoms can include pain, itching and a discharge of fluid from the ear canal. There are effective ways to prevent this problem, as well as over-the-counter treatments to relieve symptoms. Find out more from your pharmacist. Also, read the following article: Swimmer’s ear: prevention and treatment, which will help your little swimmers enjoy their favourite activity.
During your vacation, a number of incidents can occur such as scrapes, minor cuts or burns, allergic reactions, rashes, vomiting, etc. Since you can’t predict what the summer has in store for you, it’s best to be well prepared for every eventuality. That's why it's a good idea to pack a well-stocked first aid kit. Our article: Stock up your first aid kit outlines the essentials you should include in your first aid kit.
Remember however, that a well-stocked first aid kit isn’t of much use if you don’t know what to do with it. Our article: First aid 101: treating minor wounds is a must to dry your little traveller’s tears.
Speak to your pharmacist for additional information on how to have a healthy and safe summer!
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