Get ready for summer

Summer is, without a doubt, a season full of activities—especially when the weather is nice.

While it’s only natural to want to make the most of these lively few months, don’t forget to take a few precautions to ensure your well-being and that of your loved ones.

Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Protect yourself from the sun

In summer, it’s important to protect not only your skin but also your eyes from the sun’s rays.

Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.—even on cloudy days—exposure to UV rays can have harmful effects.

Wear a hat, long clothing, and sunglasses. If you can’t stay in the shade, be sure to use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.

During extreme heat

During heatwaves, the body struggles to maintain its normal temperature. Excessive physical exertion or heavy sweating can have negative health effects.

In extreme heat, it’s crucial to stay well hydrated and find ways to cool down: jump in the pool, take a shower, or spend time in air-conditioned spaces—especially if you don’t have air conditioning at home.

Cold meals are also a good idea. Fruits and vegetables, which contain a lot of water, are your best friends.

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Watch for signs such as confusion, lack of coordination, dizziness, fainting, or very hot, red skin.

Keep an eye on your loved ones—and your pets, who can also struggle with extreme heat.

Be aware of water quality

Summer often means swimming. But are you aware of the quality of the water you're diving into?

Whether it’s indoor or outdoor pools, hot tubs, lakes, or rivers, bathing water can be contaminated by microorganisms (such as blue-green algae, bacteria, viruses, or parasites) or pollutants, which can pose health risks.

In man-made pools, it's important to properly disinfect the water and take necessary precautions when handling chlorine-based products.

Here are some health issues that can occur when water is contaminated:

• Swimmer’s itch (a skin irritation caused by tiny larvae called "cercariae" found in some lakes)
• Gastroenteritis
• Eye, ear, or throat infections
• Health issues caused by blue-green algae blooms
• Legionellosis (an infection caused by Legionella bacteria, often found in hot tubs)

Pollen season

According to the Canadian Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Foundation, one in four people in Canada suffers from seasonal allergies caused by tree pollen.

Symptoms may include:

• Watery, itchy, or swollen eyes
• Headaches
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy throat

To help manage these symptoms, keep an eye on pollen levels and, if possible, limit your time outdoors during high pollen periods.

Also, keep windows closed (both at home and in your car) and use an air filtration system at home.

Pollen levels tend to be lower on cool, rainy days and in the evening, after sunset.

In conclusion, these few precautions will allow you to fully enjoy the summer season safely.

Sources: 

Santé Canada  

Québec.ca