With the warm weather that it brings, summer is the best time of year to be outside having fun. Many people visit the beach, go hiking, or just enjoy sunbathing in the backyard. Vacationers flock to the scenic coast cities and towns, such as Miami, to relax and lounge in beach chairs while the waves lap at their feet. But with great weather comes great responsibility concerning your well-being–though the warmth of the sun can feel good on your body, prolonged exposure to its rays can be harmful to your health. Many of the health issues, such as seasonal migraines, associated with unprotected or ill-prepared sun exposure do not present symptoms until after the damage has run its course, so it is important to be informed of the risks and take precautions before soaking up the sun. Luckily, acupuncture can help prevent and treat the onset of migraines that come with warm weather.
Here are 5 common health issues associated with heat and UV exposure and how you can prevent them:
Dehydration
Dehydration sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Even if you are not exerting much energy, soaring temperatures can quickly sap your water reserves. Symptoms include dry mouth and eyes, decreased sweat production, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, and heart palpitations. For those prone to them, dehydration can trigger the onset of migraines, as well. To prevent dehydration, make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day (the amount varies depending on your size, weight, and other factors, but aim for at least eight glasses) and make sure you always have a bottle on hand, just in case. The best rule of thumb is ½ your weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 135 lbs, you should aim for at least 8 glasses (8 oz.) of water per day. In very hot conditions, you will need even more. You can also prevent hydration by eating foods that have a high water content, such as fruits and vegetables. If you begin to feel any of the above symptoms, rest in a shaded area and get some water. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Increased Skin Cancer Risk
Preventing skin cancer may not be at the top of your list of concerns when it comes to the summer months, but it is important nonetheless. The intense UV rays the summer sun puts off may feel good on your skin, but overexposure without proper protection can accelerate signs of aging and lead to skin cancer.
Sunburn
Sunburn, a more immediate concern than skin cancer for outdoor enthusiasts, can ruin a perfectly good vacation or weekend away from home. For many fair-skinned people, getting a lot of exposure to the sun will lead to sunburn. Even if your body is used to sun exposure, you can still end up looking like a tomato. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to sun exposure. One of the best nutritional preventions to potentially harmful sun exposure is plenty of naturally occurring poly-unsaturated fatty acids like flax seed oil. Also known as Vitamin F, these oils can help process excess Vitamin D levels caused by over exposure to the sun to help tissues absorb them and avoid harmful sun burning.
Sun Poisoning
Sun poisoning is a more severe form of sunburn. Often, it will present itself suddenly and bring symptoms such as chills, fever, nausea, dizziness, rapid breathing, and rapid pulse. Stay hydrated, cool yourself down, and follow the same precautions that you would to avoid sunburn and you should be fine. If you begin to notice any of these symptoms, seek help immediately.
Heat Stroke
Potentially the most dangerous item on our list, heat stroke is a life-threatening form of hyperthermia (high body temperature). Often, heat stroke will present as a sudden fainting, so it is important to recognize it when it happens to others (or if you begin to feel light-headed yourself). According to the Health Research Funding Foundation, 31% of deaths resulting from heat stroke are attributed to excessive natural heat (outdoors). Even so, there is a 100% survival rate if you seek proper treatment immediately.
If you are already suffering from heat-related health issues, such as increased migraines, consider alternative treatments such as acupuncture. Acupuncture has been shown to decrease the duration of migraines and headaches, whether chronic or brought on by other factors. For more information about this and other natural therapies, contact Dr. Michael Forman, DOM, and his staff at 305-741-2102 to schedule a consultation.