News You Can Use
As we start spending more time outside and enjoying the long summer days, it’s important to be aware of the potential problems. The warm weather not only brings happiness and relaxation, but it can also bring health hazards like heat-related illnesses, harmful ultraviolet rays, swimming related illnesses, insect bites and the spread of diseases, allergies and food-borne illnesses.
Summer safety hazards do not have to interfere with enjoying summer. Whether on the go or at home, Teladoc can ensure you stay on top of your summer health with 24/7 access to a physician. All members of the Christian Brothers Employee Benefit Trust (CBEBT) have access to Teladoc at no added cost. Whether at home or on vacation, Teladoc makes it easy to stay healthy. You can talk with a doctor via telephone, email, video or mobile app.
Hopefully, many of these issues can be avoidable. Take these steps to protect yourself.
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are two of the most common and severe heat-related illnesses. These occur when the body’s temperature rises rapidly and cannot cool itself down. Those at elevated risk are children and older adults who are not used to the hot temperatures.
To prevent these illnesses be sure to:
Stay in a cool or shaded area as much as possible
Drink plenty of water
Limit time outside and
Dress properly
Everyone loves to get outside in the sun, but it’s important to stay protected from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV-A rays can cause long-term skin damage like premature aging and wrinkles and may lead to some skin cancers. UV-B rays can directly damage skin cells’ DNA, cause sunburns and most skin cancers.
Here is what should be done to protect skin while soaking up the sun:
Practice sun safety this summer by applying sunscreen 30 minutes before heading outside.
When looking to buy sunscreen, choose sunscreens that are broad spectrum, have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15 for occasional exposure and SPF 30 or higher for extended outdoor activities.
You can also protect skin by covering up with hats and sunglasses and staying in shaded areas.
Summer is all about spending as much possible time swimming in pools, hot tubs, oceans, lakes and rivers. It’s easy to overlook the illnesses that can occur from swimming and playing in the water while having fun. But water can be contaminated with germs that can lead to swimming-related illnesses such as diarrhea, skin rashes, swimmers’ ear, eye pain and cough or congestion.
Stay protected:
Try not to swallow the water.
Hold nose shut or use nose clips.
Shower before and after swimming.
Dry ears thoroughly after swimming and showering.
We love taking part in outdoor summer activities, but along with that comes insects, allergies and possible bacteria growing on our food. Insect bites can transmit serious illnesses.
Be sure to use insect repellent any time outside.
Summer allergies increase along with the temperature.. Be sure to wash away pollen by showering right after being outdoors.
Prevent bacteria growth on food by keeping cold foods iced or refrigerated and fully cooking meat.
Get started with Teladoc today. Register here.
Check out these flyers with tips to stay healthy:
Complete Summer Care Kit
Summer Solutions Infographic
You’ve got Teladoc Health all summer long
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