Dr. Cheryl Rosen, national director of the CDA's Sun Awareness Program, says that while avoiding the sun during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) is ideal, it isn't always realistic. "Sometimes people have to be outside," she says. "You can't expect, in the summer, not to do activities."
Sunburn prevention tips
-Wear a hat and sunglasses
-Seek shade
-Choose sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection and an SPF of at least 15. Apply it 15 to 30 minutes before going outside, if possible. Reapply regularly.
Treatment
-Get out of the sun
-Apply cool compresses to the affected area
-For pain, take acetaminophen
-A topical steroid cream may be helpful
For more sun safety tips, go to www.dermatology.ca.
Beat the heat
Heatstroke, also known as sunstroke, is the most medically urgent of heat-related ailments and can be fatal. It is also "most preventable," says Les Johnson, director of client services for St. John Ambulance Canada. The elderly and those in poor health are most likely to suffer from heatstroke, he says, especially during power outages, when small, cramped apartments become ovenlike.
Prevention
-Stay hydrated
-Avoid exertion and seek out cool places on extremely hot days
Symptoms
-Hot, flushed skin
-An absence of sweat
-Body temperature of 40C or higher
-Restlessness, headache, vomiting, convulsions, unconsciousness
Treatment
-Move sufferer to a cool place
-Remove outer clothing
-Cover in wet sheets or place in a cool bath
-Sponge cool water onto armpits, neck and groin
-Seek medical attention
For more information, go to www.sja.ca.
Don't let the bugs bite
The effects of a bee sting or mosquito bite can range from an annoying itch to a full-blown anaphylactic reaction if you're allergic to bees; it only makes sense to take a little extra care around insects.
Prevention
-If you suffer from a life-threatening allergy, carry an EpiPen with you at all times, Johnson advises
-Use insect repellant
-Wear light-coloured clothing (it's less attractive to bees than dark colours)
-Avoid going outside at dusk, when bugs congregate
-During black-fly season and when in the woods, cover exposed skin with clothing (and a hat with netting, if possible)
-After being in wooded areas, check your body (including the back of your neck) for ticks. Adult ticks are black, have eight legs and are about the size of a sesame seed. If spotted, remove the tick immediately with sharp tweezers to avoid infection and Lyme disease. Grasp it as close to its head as possible and -- without squeezing -- pull it out slowly and steadily.
Symptoms
-Itchiness, pain, swelling
Treatment
-Apply a bit of rubbing alcohol, a solution of baking soda and water, or ice in the case of a bee sting
-Seek medical attention immediately if you experience unusual swelling, red blotches or wheezing
For more summer safety advice, check out the following articles:
Quiz: How sun safe are you?
How to be sun savvy
Summer eye care
Summer health hazards
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