Managing Summer Health Hazards
By ALPA Staff
Summertime brings with it a unique set of seasonal health concerns. With many of us planning to spend more time outdoors, the risks of dehydration, excessive sun exposure, and other environmental factors need to be taken seriously. Before you venture outside for your next family barbeque or sightsee on an extended layover, keep these warm-weather considerations in mind and take the necessary precautions.
Heat Exhaustion/Heatstroke
Heat exhaustion occurs when your internal thermometer reaches 100° Fahrenheit and you experience symptoms such as muscle cramps, nausea, dizziness, heavy sweating, and a rapid pulse. Heat exhaustion can be exacerbated by physical activity and continuous exposure to high outdoor temperatures, particularly when combined with high humidity. Alcohol intake, general dehydration, and wearing heavy clothing are other contributing factors. Without immediate treatment, heat exhaustion can quickly escalate to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition.
The symptoms of heat exhaustion can be easily addressed with rest, cool water or a sports drink containing electrolytes, and a cooler location. With heatstroke, your body’s core temperature reaches 104° Fahrenheit, and you may experience headaches, rapid breathing and pulse, slurred speech, and general agitation. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.
When you’re out during daylight hours, stay properly hydrated; wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes; and remain in the shade when possible.
Sunburn
Sunburn is the result of excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and can result in skin damage and an increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. Having light skin, blue eyes, and blond or red hair can make an individual even more susceptible.
It’s important to regularly apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when enjoying time at the beach, but it’s just as important anytime you’re outside for an extended period—and even on a cloudy day. And keep in mind that sitting on an aircraft flight deck also requires adequate protection from UV exposure. Anytime you’re in direct sunlight, consider wearing sunscreen and sunglasses and staying properly hydrated.
If you do get a sunburn, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. See your doctor if you develop severe blistering or experience headaches, fever, or acute pain.
Food Poisoning
The summer also raises concerns about food safety. The opportunity for food poisoning increases because bacteria multiplies faster in warmer temperatures. Eating perishable items left out for too long can make you ill.
Be sure to wash your hands before handling food and thoroughly wash produce like fresh vegetables and lettuce. Be conscious that microorganisms can easily transfer from raw to cooked food and keep them separate. Be sure to keep raw beef, poultry, and seafood chilled until ready to fry or grill, and cook these foods thoroughly. Signs and symptoms of food poisoning, including cramping, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, can begin within hours or days after eating contaminated food.
When traveling overseas, avoid fruits and vegetables that can’t be peeled and be cautious with water or ice-containing drinks as pathogens in foreign water supplies may adversely affect your immune system.
Bug Bites
Depending on where you are in North America or around the world, all types of insects and arachnids—including ants, ticks, flies, and mosquitoes—become active in warmer weather. Many may sting and bite, and some carry diseases. The venom injected into your body from a bite or sting can cause your immune system to react with itching, soreness, redness, and swelling at the site.
Many store-bought bug repellents are safe and effective and can help protect you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using products with equal to or less than 20 percent DEET on exposed skin to reduce biting by insects that may spread disease.
If you’re hypersensitive to bug bites and stings, these attacks can sometimes result in a potentially fatal condition called anaphylactic shock, making it difficult to breathe and lowering your blood pressure. If you experience this reaction, seek medical assistance immediately. Also contact your doctor about any bites or stings that look suspicious or feel irritated for a continued duration.
Have Questions?
ALPA members with health-related questions are encouraged to contact the Aviation Medicine Advisory Service, ALPA’s Aeromedical Office. Call 303-341-4435, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. mountain time, to speak with a physician.
