Dr Bryan Betty: Staying safe in summer

Summer is fun however it’s good to remember how to stay safe when it comes to things like sun, food, insects, and alcohol. Here’s what to watch out for and how to stay safe over the holidays.   The number one thing to think about the sun – it makes us feel good but can cause harm!   Sunburn sets us up for skin cancer. Be especially careful with children!   Use SPF 30+ sunscreen, reapply every 2–3 hours and after swimming.   Wear hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing.   Remember: UV is highest between 10am and 4pm.  Stay hydrated. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can develop quickly, especially in the elderly and small children.   Keep food safe especially in the heat   We increase the risk of food poisoning over summer due to the heat, which encourages bacteria.  Keep food cold and covered – use chilly bins/ice packs.   Follow the 2-hour rule – avoid leaving food out in heat for more than 2 hours   Wash hands and utensils to prevent spread of germs. Cook meats thoroughly, especially poultry and BBQ foods.   Avoid cutting up meat/chicken on the same board as salad vegetables.   Watch for signs of food poisoning: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever – see your doctor.   Watch out for insects, especially mosquitoes and sandflies  Avoid getting bitten – can be itchy and painful.   Use insect repellent in areas with sandflies or mosquitos and wear long sleeves/pants in bushy areas.  Watch out for allergic reactions: red inflamed skin around a bite, can be very itchy.  May need to see your pharmacist or doctor for treatment: anti-itch cream, antihistamines.   Always drink alcohol in moderation   Alcohol increases dehydration. A good tip is to alternate drinks with water.   Avoid swimming, boating, or driving under the influence: impaired judgement raises accident risk.  Eat before and while drinking – pace yourself.   Watch for the heat and alcohol combination leading to faster exhaustion.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.