4 safety tips for a healthy summer

healthy summer 4 safety tips for a

Summer in Australia is a great time to enjoy catching up with friends and spending time outdoors. No matter what your plans are this summer, staying safe should be a top priority. Before you head outside this summer, remember, insects, heat and sunburn can take the fun right out of your day.

1. Heatstroke

Heatstroke occurs when your body overheats. This can happen if you exercise in hot weather or spend too much time in high temperatures. Heatstroke requires emergency treatment as it can cause damage to your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. Heatstroke can also result in death.

Signs of heatstroke include:

> a high body temperature > confusion, agitation, slurred speech or delirium > nausea or vomiting > rapid breathing > headache > rapid heart rate Heatstroke can be avoided by staying indoors or out of the heat during the middle of the day. If someone near you is experiencing heatstroke, call 000 and wait for an ambulance.

2. Insect bites and stings

Insect bites and stings are a common part of summer, and while the odd mosquito bite might not cause you much trouble, some stings and bites can be serious. In fact, some bites and stings can cause a potentially fatal allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in some people.

Signs of anaphylaxis include:

> a swollen tongue > abdominal pain or vomiting > difficult or noisy breathing > difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice > pale and floppy (young children) > persistent dizziness or collapse > swelling or tightness in the throat > wheeze or persistent cough

What should you do:

> insect repellent > wear a hat net > light coloured clothing Did you know Ross River Virus and Murray Valley Encephalitis do occur in Victoria including in the Surf Coast, Geelong Bellarine Peninsula, Murray River and Gippsland. It is important for people from Melbourne who travel to holiday in these areas be aware. If you or someone near you experiences these symptoms, dial 000 right away.

Did you know food poisoning is more common in summer than at any other time of the year?

This is because bacteria grow faster in hot and humid weather.

Food poisoning is caused by eating contaminated food. Food can be contaminated when it is handled, stored, or prepared incorrectly or left outside, unrefrigerated. Some foods have a higher risk of causing food poisoning. A large number of Australians get food poisoning every year and some people are more at risk than others. Pregnant women, the elderly, young children and people with chronic illnesses are at particularly at risk. Take care when preparing, storing or serving food, especially during the warmer summer months. The symptoms of food poisoning may vary depending on the type of bacteria causing the illness. Symptoms can range from mild to very severe and it can occur almost immediately after eating, or several hours later, and they can last from 24 hours to 5 days.

When you get sick, you usually experience one or more of:

> nausea, vomiting > stomach cramps, diarrhoea > fever, headaches

If you experience symptoms and think you have food poisoning, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Sunburn happens when the skin is exposed to too much ultraviolet radiation from the sun. It causes damage to the skin, which can develop into skin cancer, including melanoma. Sunburn can happen in as little as eleven minutes, and it can take weeks to heal. Mild sunburn can usually be treated at home; however, severe sunburn that blisters needs medical attention.

Checking your skin for sun damage is important. Be sure to check your whole body for any new or changing spots. Talk to your doctor if you find anything that looks or feels different from other spots on your skin.

Seek medical attention if you detect a spot that has changed size, shape, colour or texture.

When you are in the sun, the best way to prevent sunburn is to ‘slip, slop, slap, seek and slide’. > slip on some sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible > slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant

SPF30+ sunscreen > slap on a hat which is broad-brimmed or legionnaire-style to protect your face, head, neck and ears > seek some shade > slide on some sunglasses, making sure they meet Australian Standards Small children and babies have especially sensitive skin. They should not be in direct sunlight when UV levels are higher than three. If buying sunscreen for children, opt for a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ waterproof sunscreen that includes zinc. It’s also a good idea to schedule children’s outdoor time before 11am or after 3pm during the summer months.

Concerned about a skin spot?

Make an appointment at one of DPV Health’s Medical Centres for a skin check. To book call 1300 234 263 or CLICK HERE to book online.