We wait all year for summer! It’s a season filled with traditions, family gatherings, outdoor activities, vacations, and those annual projects we’ve been looking forward to. While summer brings plenty of fun, it also comes with unique health risks.
Common summer health concerns include:
Sun exposure and sunburn
Overheating
Dehydration
Outdoor injuries and trauma
Preventing Heat-Related Illness
Heat exhaustion can develop quickly, especially in young children and older adults, but anyone can be affected during hot weather or strenuous activity.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that healthy adults drink approximately 8 ounces of water every 15–20 minutes during prolonged physical activity in the heat. Drinking more than 48 ounces in one hour is generally not recommended, as excessive water intake can also be harmful.
Water Is Your Best Choice
For most people, water is the best way to stay hydrated. Combined with a balanced diet, it effectively replaces the fluids your body loses through sweating. Sports drinks are usually unnecessary unless you’re exercising vigorously for extended periods or have been advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.
Know the Signs of Dehydration and Overheating
Watch for:
Thirst
Heavy sweating followed by little or no sweating
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fatigue or weakness
Muscle cramps
Confusion
Dark-colored urine
If these symptoms develop, move to a cool place, drink water, and rest. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms worsen, if confusion develops, or if the person loses consciousness.
A Final Reminder
Alcohol should never be used to quench thirst. Alcohol contributes to dehydration and can impair your body’s ability to regulate temperature, increasing the risk of heat-related illness.
Enjoy everything summer has to offer—but remember to stay cool, stay hydrated, and take care of yourself and those around you. Prevention is the best way to keep your summer safe and enjoyable.
Denise Blotter BSN,RN
