Summer health hazards everyone should take note of
Don’t you just love summer? Beaches, warm weather, cool water, barbecues and road trips… unfortunately, all these things can also spell trouble. Here’s how to stay safe this summer.
Water
Cooling off on a hot day is one of life’s simple pleasures, but it can also end in tragedy. 266 people drowned in Australia in 2013/14, and the majority of those (33 per cent) were over 55 years old. You might be surprised to know rivers, creeks, streams and dams pose the greatest risk. So what can you do?
Never swim by yourself and always enter water slowly in case it’s not as deep as you expect, or colder beneath the surface than you think (diving into cold water can be dangerous). Be careful not to stand near the edge of overhanging riverbanks, which could crumble away, and watch out for uneven river beds.
At the beach, always swim between the flags at patrolled beaches, never run or dive into the water, read and obey the signs and learn how to spot a rip.
At parties and gatherings where there’s a pool, designate a responsible adult to watch the children at all times and take it in turns.
Wildlife
Being outside more, and the warmer weather, mean various little critters come out in force.
Ticks can cause rash and flu-like symptoms right through to weakness in the limbs and partial paralysis. Remove them using fine-pointed tweezers, grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible. If you can’t remove all of the tick, or you’re feeling unwell after a bite, make sure to check in with your doctor as soon as possible. Mosquitoes can carry a wide range of dangerous viruses - so don’t forget to apply your mozzie spray when you’re outside between dusk and dawn, cover up in loose, long-sleeved tops and bottoms and keep screens closed.
Watch out for bluebottles at the beach, particularly after stormy weather. Although they’re not going to cause you any lasting damage, they release a powerful toxin that causes immediate and severe pain. Current recommended treatment is the application of hot compresses or immersion in hot water to minimise the pain.
Barbecues
Barbeques become potentially dangerous when mixed with a party atmosphere, drinks flowing freely and children playing. Simple precautions, pre-planning and care, especially regarding young children, is vital.
Fire and Rescue NSW advise you ensure your barbeque is serviced and maintained correctly, that you carry out a check of the cylinder for rust or damage and ensure any connections are correctly tightened. Put your barbeque on a firm, level base sheltered from wind gusts and well away from anything flammable such as garden sheds, vegetation and fences. Have a garden hose nearby, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct start up and shut down procedures, ensure that the lit barbeque is in the care of a responsible adult at all times and keep children away from the barbeque. If a gas leak does occur, shut off the cylinder immediately and allow any gas to dissipate
Hayfever and allergies
Around 40 per cent of Australians suffer from some kind of hayfever or allergy, and symptoms are often worse in summer when trees and grass release their pollen, and weeds begin to grow. Sudden temperature changes, smoke from bushfires and increased ozone levels can also contribute.
Keep doors and windows closed when you’re inside and dust with a damp cloth. If you need to go out, try to go out early in the morning when airborne allergens are less prevalent and air quality is better.