Here comes the summer – Health tips

If there’s a time of year when we tend to feel healthiest, it’s probably summer. We’re not battling winter coughs and colds, plus the warm weather makes us feel more energised and enthusiastic. But is it really the best season for our health?

Here are some pros and cons...

LESS DEPRESSION

Sunlight affects moods by helping to regulate “feel-good” hormones, including serotonin and melatonin. It is also the best source of vitamin D, which can affect emotions. Research shows that people with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to be depressed. Not getting enough sunlight is linked to seasonal affective disorder, a depression that tends to hit people in the winter months.

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BETTER NUTRITION

When the weather is warmer we tend to eat more salads and fruit, which contain nutrients vital for good health. A typical summer salad containing fresh, tasty ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes and capsicums, will give you folate, which is important for the health of your nervous system, cancer-fighting lycopene and immunity-boosting vitamin C. In summer, due to the heat, we also feel less inclined to tuck into starchy carbohydrates, which can play havoc with blood sugar levels if you overdo them.

MORE LIKELY TO EXERCISE

When the weather is better, getting outdoors becomes a whole lot easier and exercise, such as walking, running or cycling, is so much more enjoyable. People tend to be generally more active, whether they’re gardening or running around with kids, because they’re not cooped up inside.

SKIN COMPLAINTS IMPROVE

Sunlight can have a therapeutic effect on skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and dermatitis. Researchers have found that controlled exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, and the vitamin D they contain, can reduce immune-system sensitivity, which contributes to skin disorders. While some doctors recommend their patients get a daily dose of sunlight, this needs to be carefully controlled to avoid getting sunburnt.

VITAMIN D

The sun provides you with vitamin D, which is not only good for depression and skin complaints, as mentioned, but is important for other aspects of your health. Research shows that a shortage of vitamin D may play a part in heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, auto-immune illnesses like multiple sclerosis and bone conditions like osteoporosis. Experts say it’s hard to give a general recommendation on how much sun you should get each day to build up your body’s store of vitamin D because it varies depending on your skin type, age and where you live in the country.

FOOD POISONING

Food poisoning is more common in summer, when higher temperatures can cause bacteria to breed in foods left out of the fridge. Simple hygiene and food-handling practices can help you to avoid the very unpleasant results of food poisoning. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food, and scrub chopping boards between preparing raw and cooked ingredients. Remember to refrigerate food straightaway.

DEHYDRATION

You lose more fluids from your body in summer because you sweat more in the heat. If you don’t replenish those fluids by drinking, you can suffer from dehydration. Symptoms range from thirst and a headache to nausea and dizziness. Drinking lots of fluids should relieve these; however, severe dehydration can lead to heatstroke, muscle cramps, rapid shallow breathing, confusion and even hallucinations. People with these signs need immediate medical attention.

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HEAT RASH

Sweating more than usual can cause an irritable red rash, also known as prickly heat. Showers and calamine lotion may help keep the rash under control. Reduce irritation by staying in the shade and wearing loose-fitting cotton clothing.

SUNBURNS

By now, you should know overexposing your skin to the sun can lead to long-term damage, such as deadly melanoma and other skin cancers. Sunburn can be intensely painful and in severe cases can lead to blisters. In daylight saving months, avoid the sun between 11am and 4pm or wear a hat and plenty of sunscreen, plus stay in the shade as much as possible.