Health risks you may be exposed to this summer

Summertime is usually associated by many of us with vacation time. Planning a vacation involves many details to be taken into account, from dates, budget or duration to accommodation, flights or weather at the destination etc. Often neglected by many of us, health should be one of the priorities when it comes to travels. If you plan to go on vacation any time soon, here’s a list of the main health risks you may be exposed to during your travels: (1) Sunburns: It is not a secret anymore that the sun can damage the skin, but despite all the warnings from health professionals many of us still get sunburns every year. Experts advise that the best ways to protect yourself from the sun's damaging rays is to cover your body in loose long sleeves and pants. Wearing a hat, sunglasses and using sunscreen of at least SPF15 and reapplying it every two hours can help avoid getting sunburned especially between 10 a. m. and 4 p. m. (2) Jellyfish stings: If you get a jellyfish sting while at the beach, use the edge of a credit card or ID to remove the stingers and flush the affected area with sea water. With some types of jellyfish stings, it helps to soak the area of skin with vinegar for about 20 minutes. (3) Hot climates: Hot weather at the destination can be accompanied by some health risks. It may make you sweaty, flushed and light-headed. It is normal to sweat on a hot day, but when you are confronted with heavy perspiration, rapid breathing or pulse, nausea, confusion and dizziness you might be dealing with heat exhaustion. As it intensifies, it may progress to heatstroke, which can be life-threatening. Seek shaded areas when possible, drink plenty of fluids, limit outdoor activities and wear loose and light-colored clothing to allow your skin to breathe and sweat normally. (4) Pool parasites: A parasite called Cryptosporidium (Crypto), resistant to chlorine is the main culprit of the water-related illnesses. Crypto is the cause of a disease called cryptosporidiosis, which can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps or pain, nausea, dehydration, vomiting, weight loss and fever. To reduce your risk of diseases: Avoid using the pool if you have diarrhea, shower before entering the pool, don't swallow pool water, avoid urinating in the water. ...

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