Summer Health Risks - Top 10 Health Risks for Summer

For many, summer is the season of relaxation and fun. Children across the United States are freed from the responsibilities of school and adults pile into their cars and head out on vacations to get away from it all. Outdoor activities abound during this time of year but summer health risks do, too. Recognizing what they are before they happen will allow you to enjoy your summer without paying a heavy price in the process.

Health Risks for Summer 1
Automobile Accidents

The National Center for Statistics and Analysis reports that automobile accidents are the number one cause of death among children and teens in the United States. The CDC reported that in 2005, "1,335 children ages 14 years and younger died as occupants in motor vehicle crashes, and approximately 184,000 were injured." So, what do these statistics have to do with summer health risks? The answer is that these statistics tend to spike during the summer months as the highways begin to clog with motorists setting off on vacations. Furthermore, teenage drivers, free from school activities, tend to log more hours on the road. So, how can you minimize this particular summer health risk? By utilizing the same techniques you should be using every day, including, always wearing a seat belt, using defensive driving tactics and never driving while drowsy or intoxicated. Limiting teenagers' driving time can also reduce the chances of accidents.

Health Risks for Summer 2 through 5
Heat Stroke, Skin Cancer, Eye Damage and Dehydration

These four summer health risks are similar in that they all relate to spending time in the sun without adequate protection. The National Cancer Institute estimates that there will be over 1,000,000 new cases of skin cancer in 2009. With rates of skin cancer and incidents of eye damage climbing, it is more important than ever to wear protective eyewear and sun block. Aside from the physical pain caused by sun damage, these two summer health risks can greatly diminish the long-term quality of a person's life and even prove fatal.

Heat stroke and Dehydration are also common dangerous health risks for summer because they often arrive suddenly with little warning and can lead to hospitalization and even death. So, as the mercury rises, it is important to stay hydrated and to ensure that children drink more fluids than usual.

Health Risks for Summer 6 through 9
Insect Bites, Injury from Fire Works, Food Poisoning, and Drownings

These summer health risks are all things that become more likely in the summer because they all have something to do with outdoor recreation. For many, summer is synonymous with outdoor activities like swimming, boating, picnics, barbecues and Fourth of July celebrations. These activities leave many exposed to summer health risks from undercooked meats, injuries from fire works celebrations, and diseases from ticks and mosquitos, like Lyme Disease and West Nile. Unsupervised children are also at risk of accidental drownings as well as adults who swim while intoxicated. The best way to stay safe from these summer health risks is to always supervise young children and use good judgment when it comes to alcohol consumption.

Health Risks for Summer 10
Sexually Transmitted Disease

Summer love has been the theme of countless rock n roll songs over the years and for good reason. Summer is the time of year when women shed their bulkier winter clothes in favor of a skimpier look and both men and women become more body conscious as they try to lose that extra one or two pounds for that great bathing suit look. Summertime activities also create the perfect environment for men and women to meet and the warm summer nights offer the perfect backdrop for romance. However, the dark side of these encounters is the increased risk on contracting an STD. Diseases like genital herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV can all pose summer health risks if proper protection is not used. Using a condom every time you have sex is the only way to decrease the potential of becoming infected.

Although, there are certainly many summer health risks to consider when planning your warm weather activities, a little common sense can go a long way at keeping you and your family safe in the sun.

Sources:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/childpas.htm
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/skin
http://webappa.cdc.gov/sasweb/ncipc/leadcaus10.html