With summer in full swing we can breathe a sigh of relief that the polar vortex is finally behind us. As we load up our car and head to the beach we have to keep in mind that there are still hazards out there so we still need to be vigilant.
Lyme Disease
The beauty of summer is cooking outside and having seaside picnics but while you are ready to take a bite of that juicy hamburger there is a little critter ready to take a bite of you, the deer tick which is the culprit for transmitting Lyme disease. This is the season when the “nymphs” are active. They are no larger than the size of a poppy seed and easy to miss. Ticks are seeking out a blood meal and will go to the area with the greatest supply, usually the groin, armpits, and scalp. A tick has to be attached 36 to 48 hours before Lyme’s Disease will be transmitted. When they are done feeding they will fall off. If you find a tick on you remove it by taking a pair of tweezers and grab it by the head and pull it out. Don’t crush the body. See a doctor and if possible bring the tick with you. Use insect repellant that contains 20-30 percent DEET on exposed skin and clothing to prevent bites and 10 percent on children. Check yourself regularly and shower when you get home to remove any possible loose ticks. Early removal can reduce the risk of infection.
Food Poisoning
Since we are ready to break open those grills make sure you practice some safe cooking tips because the last thing you want is food poisoning. Each year food poisoning puts about 300,000 people in the hospital every year, hitting the peak season during summer months. Anything that has mayonnaise, dairy, or eggs in it and any meat products can develop nasty bacteria after only a couple of hours unrefrigerated. Here are some tips from the U.S. Department of Agriculture:
• Clean and wash your hands as well as the surfaces where you will be preparing foods.
• Separate and wrap raw meat securely and keep it stored away from other food items.
• Bring a thermometer. Meats brown quickly on the grill but that doesn’t mean it is safe to eat. Steaks should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees, ground beef and pork to 160 and poultry to 165 degrees.
• Chill. Keep everything refrigerated as long as possible. Store perishable picnic items in an insulated cooler packed with ice and follow the first in first out rule. Whatever you are going to eat first should be at the top of the cooler. I personally freeze water bottles and pack everything in that and then you have nice cold water to drink later.
Sunburns
Before you head outside make sure you apply sunscreen. Ditch your old sunscreen and invest in a new bottle. Melanoma is on the rise in this country and your risk doubles if you have had just five sunburns in your life. When buying sunscreen look for products that protect against both UVB and UVA rays. Apply liberally and often every two hours, especially if you are swimming. The best number to get is 30 and should be applied 30 minutes before going out. Avoid the most intense sunrays between the hours of 10 and 4, stay in the shade. If you are prone to sunburn wear long sleeves and a wide brimmed hat as well as sunglasses. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen on your feet as well. If you get a bad sunburn, which you shouldn’t if you follow these instructions, drink plenty of water to replace your fluids lost. Soak the burn in cool water for a few minutes or put a cool cloth on it. Take an over the counter pain reliever such as Tylenol. Apply an antibiotic ointment or an aloe cream with emollients that soften and sooth the skin. Remember to be sun smart. Even on a cloudy day you can get a bad burn.
Dehydration
As you are running around and having fun it is very easy to become dehydrated, and no that cold Heineken is not going to take care of your dehydration. In fact it may make it worse. If you feel dizzy and lightheaded you may becoming dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, take regular rest breaks in the shade and try not to schedule intense activities during the heat of the day. If you think someone is suffering from dehydration or heatstroke, get them inside a cool place and have them lie down, cool them off with ice packs especially under the arm pits, the groin and the head. If they are seriously dehydrated seek medical help.
Stings
What would summer be without the proverbial bee sting? For some people it is just a painful experience for others it can be life threatening. Steer clear of bees and don’t attract them by wearing heavy perfumes and scents, wear light colored clothes and stay away from floral patterns. They may confuse you for a tasty flower. Stinging insects love dark colors and flowers. Guard your sugary drinks. So many times as an ER physician I was treating patients who took a sip from their canned soda not realizing a bee had gotten inside and was now stinging their mouth. It is a good idea to pack an Epi-Pen with you and learn how to use it. The pen is designed to hold a prescription medication, which will buy you some time for acute allergic reactions but you should still follow up medically. It is also a good idea to keep some oral Benadryl on hand for allergic reactions.
Now that you have learned some basic summer safety lessons go out and enjoy this beautiful island.
