Doctor offers health tips for sunny, warm weather
From sunburns to dehydration, there are a plethora of problems that can arise in the summer heat.
Dr. Robin Plank, a family medicine specialist at Independence Health System’s Slippery Rock Primary Care Center, offered a list of tips for those planning to spend time outside.
She warned skin cancer is the most common cancer globally, and one of five people will develop it by age 70.
“Protect your skin with sunscreen that offers UVA/UVB 30+ protection and reapply frequently on high UV index days,” Plank recommended. “Babies 6 months and under should not use sunscreen. Keep little ones in the shade and utilize UV-protective swimwear and clothing for protection.”
She said anyone, regardless of activity level, can become dehydrated when outside for too long.
“The general population need only hydrate with water to ensure adequate hydration at the cellular level,” Plank said. “Many patients ask me ‘how much water per day.’ The answer is variable, but in general, if a person’s urine is pale yellow or clear within one to two hours of waking, he or she is adequately hydrated.”
For safety when swimming, Plank recommended using appropriate life jackets, never swimming alone and supervising children at all times. She said that drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages one through four in the United States.
“In the state of Pennsylvania, passengers 12 years of age and under on Commonwealth waters are required to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while underway on any boat that is under 20 feet in length, and when riding in or operating, canoes and kayaks. Check with state and local authorities for other seasonal rules regarding life jacket use for persons age 13 and over,” Plank advised.
For exercising in the heat, she recommended exercising early, ideally before 8 a.m., to avoid excessive heat. She also said that Butler County roads are known for their blind spots, and recommended finding parks or outdoor tracks to exercise on.
Plank mentioned Western Pennsylvania’s high rates of tick-borne illness and the rise of West Nile virus and recommended checking for ticks frequently and using an insect repellent containing 15 to 25% DEET.
“I have talked to many parents who are concerned about exposing their children to DEET, but the protective benefit far outweighs the risk,” she said. “I have had patients with facial paralysis, encephalitis, bone marrow suppression and transient hepatitis from tick-borne illness.”
As people use their grills, Plank also advised some safety tips for their use. She recommended cleaning grills before and after use, keeping them at least 10 feet away from structures, avoiding flammable materials and routinely checking for gas leaks.
When traveling, Plank recommended ensuring all passengers are in the car and wearing seat belts or restrained in car seats before driving. She also said to never leave a child in a parked car, regardless of duration.
With the longer days through the summer months, Plank said they can result in disruptions to circadian rhythms. She recommended seven hours of sleep for adults and up to 10 hours of sleep for adolescents and children per night.
As a final tip, Plank recommended engaging with Butler County’s agriculture by purchasing fresh fruit and vegetables from farmer’s markets and roadside stands. She advised rinsing any purchased produce before use.
