The sun’s peeking out from behind the rain clouds, the bugs are reappearing and buzzing and lemonade stands line neighborhood streets. Summer is usually associated with health and vitality, but that’s not always the case. Summer can actually worsen some medical issues. Put on your sunscreen and sunhats and grab yourself a tall glass of water while you enjoy this list of four health issues that are caused and exacerbated by prolonged exposure to the summer heat.
1. Heat exhaustion
It’s no surprise that heat makes people feel lethargic and lazy, but did you know that heat stroke from exercise is one of the 3 leading causes of sudden death in sports activities? Symptoms include headaches, nausea, sweating and rapid breathing. A person’s temperature can reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit, and immediate medical attention is sometimes necessary. Heat can be deadly to everyone, though – not just athletes. In 2003, 70,000 people lost their lives to a heat wave throughout Europe, so make sure to take those heat warnings seriously. Bring fans and take breaks once temperatures begin soaring this summer.
2. Dehydration
If you don’t drink water, you will suffer from dehydration. It’s as simple as that. However, being thirsty means that you’re already dehydrated, and 75% of people are chronically dehydrated. Severe dehydration can lead to delirium and death, and chronic dehydration may affect your organs and lead to kidney stones, cholesterol problems, constipation and liver, joint and muscle damage. Still, don’t fret; water is a fast solution to all of these dehydration-induced ailments. Never underestimate the power of water.
3. Slower digestion
According to the healing tradition of Ayurveda, bacteria and digestive processes within your stomach grow weaker in warmer weather. In order to combat this, nature provides you with foods that are easier to digest. The consumption of natural greens and other, light vegetables is encouraged to balance bodily temperatures and stomach PH levels. So, make sure to eat bunches of cucumbers and herbs like cumin and fennel to stave off digestive upset and the summer heat slump.
4. Skin damage
Everyone has experienced a particularly bad sunburn at some point in their lives. The characteristic redness, the sensitivity to touch, the unbearable peeling and pain. Sunburns, melanoma and wrinkles are all caused by sun exposure. High UV light for extended periods of time can cause wrinkles to form by breaking down collagen and fibers in the skin, and some sunburns can require medical attention. Lather up in sunscreen before sunbathing on the beach, the driveway or wherever you end up and keep your skin spotless this summer.
