Don’t Let The Grinch Spoil Your Summer Fun
by Sheila McCormick on June 20th, 2007
Loading ...Remember the Grinch? He usually rears his ugly head around Christmas time but sometimes he gets bored when the weather is warm and he tries to ruin summer fun by putting summer hazards in our paths. Fortunately for us, those summer hazards can be easily avoided by taking a few simple steps.
Extreme heat is one of the major hazards associated with summer. Heat strokes kill thousands of people every year. The risk of heat stroke goes up during heavy exertion and is more prevalent in people with health conditions such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease. People over the age of 65 and young children are especially prone to heat illness.
Normally the body cools itself by sweating. If temperatures and humidity are extremely high, however, sweating is not effective in maintaining the body’s normal temperature and that can lead to heat-related health problems. During heat illness, the body’s cooling system shuts down. The body temperature goes up quickly, which inhibits the ability to sweat. The first symptoms of heat exhaustion include excessive thirst, fatigue and cramps in the legs or abdomen. If it is left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke which is a serious and potentially life threatening condition. Symptoms of heat stroke include dizziness, headache, nausea, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, confusion, and a temperature which can soar as high as 105° F or more. In severe cases, the body’s major organs may be damaged.
Fortunately, heat illness can be prevented by following a few simple rules. Reduce strenuous activities during the hottest hours of the day. If you must be outside in the heat for long periods of time, carry a water bottle and drink fluids constantly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you are working in a hot environment, it is essential that you drink a minimum of 16 ounces of cold water per hour. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Getting adequate amounts of sleep and proper nutrition are especially important during the hot summer months. Light meals are easier to digest than heavy meals. Eat fruits that are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C like strawberries, blueberries and raspberries.
If you see someone who appears to be suffering from heat illness, have the person lie down in a cool place and elevate their legs. Use water, wet towels and fanning to help cool the person down until emergency help arrives.
Food poisoning is another potential summer hazard that lurks at weddings, picnics, graduation parties and family cookouts. Bacteria, whether in food or in the air grow faster in warm weather. Fortunately, food poisoning can be avoided by following a few simple steps.
When the meal is finished food should be refrigerated promptly. According to FDA guidelines, food should never be left out for more than one hour when the temperature is above 90° F. Even in cooler weather food should never be left out for more than two hours. Keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Wash off fruits and vegetables with cool running water.
When you are packing food for a picnic, place cold food in a cooler with plenty of ice or commercial freezing gels. Cold food should be held at or below 40° F and the cooler should be stored in the shade. Hot food should be wrapped well, placed in an insulated container and kept at or above 140° F.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before beginning any type of food preparation. Wash food surfaces and keep raw food separate from cooked food.
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