Planning Your Summer Activities? How To Keep Yourself Healthy And Safe During The Barbecues
Summer has finally arrived, and with it, the opportunity to spend a lot of time outside. Unfortunately, there's also an increased risk of health-related issues. The last thing you want is to spend your summer stuck in the doctor's office, or worse, the emergency room. To help you stay healthy this summer, here are four simple steps you should follow.
Change the Way You Look at Barbecues
If your summer is going to be filled with barbecues, it's time to change the way you look at them. First, instead of filling up on greasy hamburgers, consider switching to grilled chicken and vegetables. Second, if you're going to be away from refrigeration, steer clear of the dairy-based side dishes, such as potato salad. Foods containing egg and mayonnaise can go bad in the heat, leading to a serious case of food poisoning. If you're going to provide those types of food, be sure to have a way to keep them chilled throughout the festivities.
Wash Your Hands Throughout the Day
You might think that since flu season is over, you don't need to worry about germs. Unfortunately, that's not actually true. There are still plenty of illnesses you can contract during the summer. To help protect yourself from coming in contact with germs that can make you sick, be sure to wash your hands throughout the day. If you're not going to be around clean running water, be sure to carry a generous supply of hand sanitizer with you.
Load Up on the Sunscreen
If you're avoiding sunscreen because you're working on your summer tan, you're setting yourself up for some serious health problems. First, sunburns are no laughing matter. One good sunburn can leave you in severe pain for days. Second, those suntans can cause premature aging of your skin, making you look older than you actually are.
Finally, unprotected exposure to the sun can put you at risk for skin cancer at some point in your life. Don't risk your health for the perfect tan. Be sure to load up on sunscreen whenever you go outside. Don't forget to reapply the sunscreen when you get out of the water.
Drink Responsibly
If you're going to be indulging in alcoholic beverages during your summer barbecues, be sure to drink responsibly. You might not realize this but drinking alcohol during the heat of the day can cause severe dehydration. Not only that, but it can also increase the level of intoxication you experience. If you're going to drink during the heat of the day, remember to drink plenty of water as well. Also, remember to avoid drinking and driving.
Don't let your summer barbecues result in sickness. Use the tips provided here to keep yourself safe and healthy. For more information, contact a medical office like Burnsville Family Physicians.
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