There are a lot of things about the summer that are great. It's nice that the weather is finally nice and you can go to the beach, but there's a lot of stuff that you need to be careful of.
Sure, you want it to be this carefree time with adventures and sun, but if you don't put a little bit of consideration into your days, you may end up with lasting damage that will effect you the rest of your life.
If you want to know what you should be watching out for, we've got you covered. Summer's not only sunburns and bug bites, there's a bunch of other things you need to think about too.
1. Dry Drowning
We all know that drowning is a scary thing, but did you know that it's actually possible to drown on land?
Dry drowning and secondary drowning both happen when someone is out of the water, usually after a new-drowning scare or after accidentally ingesting pool water. While you might think the person is okay, the inhaled water can actual still be affecting them after the fact.
Dry drowning causes the vocal cords to swell, resulting in a closed off airway, while secondary drowning involves a fluid build-up in the lungs that leads to pulmonary edema.
Watch out for continued coughing, chest pain, labored breathing, or a sudden lethargy, because if this happens you need to go to the ER right away.
2. Moldy Air Conditioners
Air conditioners are almost essential these days, but you should always check the filters. Most people just turn them on without thinking, but they are often full of dust, allergens, and even mold.
When you flip that switch, it's going to send all of that shooting back through your house and that can be really dangerous for your lungs, and could lead to permanent conditions.
3. Be Sure About Your Pedicures
Getting a pedicure is a real treat, especially in the summer when you know you're going to be wearing sandals. But if you go to a questionable nail salon, you may end up getting a fungal infection that can last for a really long time.
Fungal infections are notoriously hard to treat, and can take up to a year before they are even gone. Make sure the tools and water they use are up to health code standards so you don't risk it.
4. Medications Affecting You Differently
If you take medication daily, you should check to see what some of the side effects are because they may actually impact you more in the summer than you realized.
A lot of medications can actually cause a phototoxic and photoallergic reactions when they are exposed to UV light. This causes your skin to burn easier, but from the inside out. That means you won't even see it happening until it's too late.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if your medication can cause these reactions so you can properly protect your skin.
5. Sunburned Eyes
Did you know your eyes can get sunburns too? If your eyes get exposed to too much sun they can get photokeratitis which is horribly painful. Not only that, but it increases the chance that you will end up with cataracts, degeneration, or growths later in life.
This is why people should wear sunglasses, not just because they look cool, they actually protect you from irreversible damage.
6. E. Coli At The Beach
You might think you're out for a fun day in the sun, when in reality there is a lot of fecal contamination and bacteria along the shores.
It's not even just the water, it's the actual sand. Researchers at the University of Hawaii found that the sand has anywhere from 10 to 100 times more fecal bacteria in it than the water does, probably because it doesn't break down as fast as it does in the water. So all of those sea creatures walking along the sand are making it very dangerous.
Make sure you cover and cuts and wash your hands frequently.
7. Brain-Eating Amoebas
It sounds like something out of a horror movie, but Naegleria Fowleri is a type of amoeba that lives in freshwater like lakes and rivers.
Usually they live in the bottom of the water, so the CDC advises that you keep your head above water and you do your best to avoid stirring up the ground too much to minimize exposure.
8. BBQ Cancer Risks
Having a summer barbecue is a part of life, but you need to be careful of how much charred meat your eating. If you're someone who likes everything well-done, try to avoid eating those really crispy bits.
Cooking over a flame is known to cause carcinogens to be created. They are usually in those really charred bits, but if you eat them your risk of pancreatic cancer raises by 60 percent.
It's best to cook at a lower temperature for longer, and using an alcohol-based marinade to cut the carcinogens.
9. Bare Foot Dangers
A lot of people love the feeling of walking through the grass with bare feet, but it turns out that it's super dangerous.
Puncture wounds are obviously painful, but if you don't get it treated properly you might end up really sick. It's important to know whether or not you've had a tetnus shot within the last five years, and if not, you've got 48 hours to go get one.
It's even more dangerous for people with diabetes or those with nerve damage in their foot, because they may not feel it happen as soon as they should. So if you can, try to keep your shoes on, or at least watch your step.
10. "July Effect"
If you need to go to the hospital in July, make sure you bring someone with you who will help you advocate for your health. Why? Well, at teaching hospitals, July is when all the new residences begin.
While they are all capable, they are still just starting out and their instincts may not be as good as an experienced doctor. Don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion or repeat yourself. It may be annoying, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
I know this can be a bit of a downer, but we just want to make sure you're safe this summer!
More from Shared:
Here's how to identify the bugs that are biting you.
Here's how to quickly cure your sunburn using one mom's cure.
And if you get a mosquito bite, here are 10 ways to make them stop itching.
Source - Reader's Digest