Heath & Beauty - Free Fitness Library
The perils of summer poem
Dr R Lister
Shall I compare thee to a summers day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate.
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer's leases hath all too short a day.
Some times too hot the eye of Heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimmed;
And every fair from fair sometimes declines.
In this sonnet Shakespeare unwittingly described what is now happening to our British summer. A 13th Century bard wrote "Summer is icumen in", now it brings with it: sunburn, skin cancer, heat stroke, atmospheric pollution, asthma, hay fever and related allergies, hives, insect bites and insect borne-diseases; and often, to the incautious holiday maker, unwanted pregnancies and an increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Despite this catalogue of dangers all of these risks can be avoided by following simple precautions that can ensure that the benefits of summer can be enjoyed by all. Remember prevention is better than cure (and in most cases a lot less painful).
Sunlight makes summer; it brightens our outlook on life; warms our skin as well as our hearts and can induce a fashionable tan that is still much sought after, but only if appropriate precautions are taken to minimise it's dangers. The intensity of sunlight in Europe has increased as the protective ozone layer has thinned. this is a result of the destructive chemicals pumped into the atmosphere, this allows more of the damaging ultra-violet (UV) radiation to reach us. The skin is most at risk; excessive exposure will lead initially to sunburn; too much sun over time can degrade the skin leading to wrinkles, thickened skin, loss of elasticity and possibly skin cancer. All of these can be avoided by covering the skin; this can be achieved by both clothing and sun-protection creams. Gradually increasing exposure can permit protective tanning to build up slowly. Some people, in particular those with red hair or pale skins, find that they cannot tolerate any degree of exposure to strong sunlight without suffering the consequences. For them, the only answer may be to remain covered and use a high protection sun block at all times. Skin scientists have developed a range of sun screens and blockers that offer protection from even the fiercest tropical sun. Maximum protection needs sunblocks with a protection rating of 20 or 35; medium protection is from those with a rating of 6 to 15 and even when at an has developed a protective rating of 2 or 3 will still be needed during prolonged (more than 4 hours) exposure. Some makers of sun protectants now use a star system with **** offering the most protection and * the least. All sun protectants from reputable makers if used as instructed will provide protection against the ravages of too much sun.
Stay Cool In The City
* Remember to take a bottle of water with you to prevent dehydration
* For a break from the sun, choose a well-shaded and well ventilated
spot. Because of reflection, a sun shade in full sunlight is not enough
* SPF sticks, factor 15-20 are very good for eyes, lips, nose and forehead
as they don't run or sting the eyes
* Wear T-shirts. The weave of fabric that you wear also effects your
skin - the closer the weave the more SPF protection.
* The higher the sun, the stronger the rays. Stay out of the sun between
11am- 3pm or use a block
* Wind intensifies the sun's rays. If you are in a windy place use a
high SPF factor
* A very high percentage of tans you see walking around are from a bottle.
The self tan is in.
Heat stroke occurs when heat is gained by the body faster than it can be dissipated by sweating and radiating it from the skin. It can lead to fainting, a clammy skin, heart failure and death. This risk has forced the Olympic Committee to re-schedule the Atlanta marathon from the original afternoon starting time to early in the morning. Light clothing can reduce heat gain as desert people have known for millennia, but if symptoms of heat stroke develop the person must be cooled as quickly as possible by putting them in the shade and sponging the body all over with tepid water to allow evaporative cooling. Speed is imperative as delay can be fatal.
Recent evidence has suggested that excessive UV in sunlight can damage the lens of the eye and predispose to cataract in later years. Quality sunglasses that have lenses that do not transmit UV glass should be worn when high exposure is likely. Cheap sunglasses can reduce the glare but because they then cause the pupil to dilate, allow excess UV can enter the eye and damage the lens eventually leading to cataract.
Insect Bites & Stings cause more summer discomfort than any other single cause, the irritation they cause can be annoying but some insect bites can induce severe pain, swelling and fever. In subjects whom are allergic to bites or stings the effects can prove fatal. Insects can transmit a range of diseases, these are more common in tropical regions where malaria is the major risk. in the UK and North America ticks can transmit diseases, the recently recognised Lyme Disease is transmitted by deer ticks that bite people sitting on grass frequented by deer, this can lead to fever and a form of arthritis. As with sun protection, covering up is the best policy. Where exposure is likely, clothing with close fitting sleeves and trouser cuffs are the best protection against insect invasion and liberal application to the exposed skin of insect repellent is always worth doing. In regions near water where mosquitoes breed the use of mosquito netting impregnated with insecticide can save many a sleepless night. Travellers to the tropics are advised to take their own nets with them as often these are not provided and even if they are, they are frequently damaged, permitting the crafty mosquito ready access to it's next meal. Insect bites can be alleviated by creams available over the counter from pharmacists; locally applied steroid creams give the quickest relief from itching.
Smog & Heat - A Lethal Cocktail
Air Pollution results from the burning of fossil fuels with the combustion
products such as smokes and fumes accumulating faster than the atmosphere
can clear them. The internal combustion engine is a major source of
these pollutants. The air quality is often worse in the summer for three
reasons; the higher level of sunlight chemically changes the fumes,
particularly from car exhausts, into irritating chemicals such as ozone
and nitrogen dioxide that can irritate the lungs and precipitate asthma
in sensitive people; there may be temperature inversions that trap the
fumes close to the ground and stop them dispersing and often there are
more cars on the roads in summer. When air pollution is severe the only
protection is to stay indoors where the toxic effects are usually lessened.
The use of protective face masks is of limited value although for those
such as roadside workers and city cyclists, masks containing activated
charcoal can offer some protection. Oxygen may be needed by asthmatics
and the elderly. Exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high
should be avoided as this can lead to an excessive intake of toxic chemicals
that can precipitate an asthma attack even if fit individuals. Atmospheric
pollution results in a high concentration in the air of dangerous chemicals
called free radicals. Their toxic effects can be countered to some degree
by taking an anti-oxidant nutritional supplement containing vitamins
such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Selenium. These can mop up or scavenge
free radicals and prevent them from damaging cells. There is medical
evidence that Vitamin E can protect against cataract and this is worth
taking, particularly if there is a family history of cataract.
Hay Fever is a term used to describe an allergic response to pollen in the atmosphere but hay is only rarely the cause. High season for pollen is in the spring but pollen is released throughout the summer and the still conditions that cause atmospheric pollution are also peak times for high pollen counts. As with high levels of air pollution, the best course is to stay indoors when the pollen levels are highest, this tends to be in the morning and evening. Sensitive individuals may obtain some relief by using circulating air filters in the home, pollen filters in the car and using anti-histamines as tablets, nasal sprays or eye drops. Non-sedating forms of anti-histamines should be used by drivers and anybody working with machinery.
Allergies from other causes tend to be more common in summer. Urticaria or hives, as a result of contact with unusual plants is common in summer holiday makers. Again, prevention is better than cure. Avoid touching strange plants, insects and caterpillars as many of them can induce skin rashes. A range of treatments for mild rashes is available from pharmacies in most countries. Allergic reactions to exotic foods are a well-recognised hazard and can lead to vomiting, fainting and severe diahorrea; sea food is a common culprit. If in doubt don't eat anything you are not sure of, if symptoms do develop, the best course is to see a doctor without delay as the symptoms can be the same as food poisoning that can have serious and even fatal consequences.
The Sun's Gonna Get Ya
The sun's rays can catch you everywhere;
* Concrete reflects 5-6% of UV rays
* Windscreens allow through 80% of UV rays
* Water reflects 90-100% of UV rays
* Grass reflects 1-2% of UV rays.
Unwanted Pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. For these there are two words of advice: CARE & CONDOMS.
Below are a few tips to help you survive the city.
Workplace:
Install a small air filter at your desk
Take a break from your computer screen every few minutes
Keep your work area clean & dust free
Water:
If you live in an older home, with copper pipes & lead solder, check
for lead in your water
Run your tap for a minute before drinking the water
Request the most recent water analysis from your city's water supplier
Alternatives to tap water are: bottled water or water filters
Summer is there to be enjoyed; all it needs to avoid having your holiday
spoilt is to take the elementary precautions outlined here.
Have a happy summer.