You think of winter and worry about catching the flu or falls on icy streets. But I think the summer brings a longer list of health hazards – from insect stings and heat exhaustion, picnic poisoning and much worse. Here’s how to guard against these spoilers:
If you’re not barefoot, you’re overdressed. A favourite summer saying, yes, but a lack of foot protection is why foot injuries are so common this time of year. Water shoes can protect against stony lake bottoms and sharp shells, but nothing but a firm shoe protects tootsies from bruises, scrapes and cuts. And while flip-flops are easy on the knees, it’s crazy to wear them while cycling or mowing the lawn!
RICE – to do, not to eat. Twisted ankles from football on the lawn or hidden gopher holes can’t be helped, but you can avoid the ER if your sprain is mild (minimal swelling and bruising). Remember to Rest the foot, Ice it, Compress it with a bandage wrap (acebrand.com has exact wrapping instructions), and Elevate it. Significant swelling, instability or an inability to bear weight means it should be seen and X-rayed.
Don’t sweat it out. Prepare for high temperatures that kill hundreds of people annually, warns the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Extremely hot temperatures can be dangerous for anyone, but especially for children, adults who exercise or work outside, seniors and people with chronic medical conditions. Remember to avoid alcohol or sugary liquids, and not to wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids. More beat-the-heat tips are at cdc.gov/extremeheat.
Trauma season is here. Motor vehicle collisions top the list of unintentional injury-related deaths according to the safety website parachutecanada.org. It’s why Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital, a trauma centre, posted this sign on the street outside: Stay safe. Keep our stretchers empty! More kids playing or riding on streets equals potential injuries. Highway accidents, so expected this season, can be lessened when we slow down, stop tailgating, check before switching lanes, avoid texting, and, of course, wear seatbelts.
Beddy-bye. More travellers and weaker pesticides means today’s hotels are not always bedbug free, so before you turn in for the night check the hotel mattress for clusters of black/brownish dots (their poop) and clusters of pinhead-sized off-white eggs. To be extra sure, don’t unpack your clothes from your suitcase and keep it away from the bed and the floor. More tips can be found on the travel medicine website Iamat.org.
Clean, cook and chill. Nasty bacteria are worse than ants at a picnic. Avoid food poisoning by washing your hands and the surfaces where you’ll be making the food. Wrap and separate raw meat from other food items. Use a digital thermometer to make sure that meats are cooked to a safe temperature.
Stings a sure thing. Insects own summer, so don’t tempt them: Avoid heavy perfumes, wear light-coloured clothing, cover sugary drinks or food, and wear bug spray. Pain, tenderness, itchiness and swelling at the sting site are common and can be treated with acetaminophen, antihistamine and ice. But get to the ER fast if you have these signs of a life-threatening allergy: Tightness in the chest or trouble breathing, dizziness, swelling of the tongue or face, or hives, itchiness or swelling over larger body areas.
Every summer brings news of tragic drownings in lakes and backyard pools. Swimming lessons and lifejackets are summer’s best investments. And adult supervision means every second your child is around water. Check out caringforkids.cps.ca to remind yourself of water safety tips this summer.