Summer myths, Busted 😎☀️😎
There are some pieces of summer health advice that are totally misguided. Such as…..
The half-hour rule from swimming right after a meal 😱❓
Somewhere or another, myths were conjured up about summer health risks and benefits that might actually pose more of a health hazard, than the real truth.
Today, I’ll share some summer health myths that frequently come up during conversations with my patients, family and friends …. ☀️💣🧨💥
Before we get started, I’m hoping you enjoyed last week’s newsletter on “Your body’s bugs, and my Travel Tips”. If you missed it, you can use this link, Here.
Don't let the following myths stop you from having a blast this summer. Take a day trip to the beach or pack a delicious picnic. Get outside and (so long as you apply sunscreen) sit for a while and enjoy the sun. You might even take a last-minute vacation or two. Just inform yourself first about what the science tells us about some of the most common health myths, so you can stay healthy and enjoy yourself. 😎
Ready? Let’s bust some myths 💥
Any drink will rehydrate you on a hot day!?
While a soft drink or ice-cold beer may really feel like they’re hitting the spot, they aren’t doing the job you need them to do. In fact, it’s a myth that any drink will rehydrate you. Drinks high in sugar or alcoholic beverages will actually further dehydrate you. If you’re engaging in physical activity in the heat you’ll need even more water to keep from dehydrating, so always bring plenty along with you.
You can’t get a sunburn on a cloudy day!?
This is one myth that, if believed, can have harsh consequences. Even the thickest of clouds do not have the ability to block out UV rays. The sun may be hidden away, but it’s still there and although the breeze may keep you feeling fresh and cool, you are still at risk for sunburn. In fact, some of the worst sunburns occur on cloudy days, when people feel cool enough to stay out all day long. The best way to protect your skin is to wear adequate sun protection and minimize your time outdoors between peak hours of the day. If you absolutely have to be out all day, be sure to take breaks and find shelter every 20 to 30 minutes.
Butter soothes a sunburn!?
Putting butter on a sunburn is certainly not going to soothe the pain. In fact, it may even make the pain worse or delay the healing process. There are also concerns that butter may contain bacteria and could cause an infection. Instead, use some of these home remedies:
Cold compresses. Apply a clean, lint-free cold towel or washcloth several times a day for 10-15 minutes.
Vinegar. Cider vinegar can promote healing and restore pH balance. To use this, add one cup of cider vinegar to a bath.
Essential oils. Peppermint, lavender, chamomile and tea tree oil can all reduce inflammation and cool your skin - but make sure to dilute the essential oils with a “carrier” oil such as almond oil, or add the essential oils to a moisturizer such as aloe vera.
Oatmeal. Oatmeal is a natural anti-inflammatory. You can make a paste of oatmeal and cold milk and apply it to your skin or add oatmeal to a cool bath and soak in it.
Coconut oil. This multi-purpose oil is rich in natural fats like linoleic and lauric acids, which have moisturizing and antimicrobial properties. It’s best for later in the healing process to keep skin hydrated.
Aloe vera. Aloe contains chemicals that have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Make sure you use 100% aloe products to soothe your sunburn.
Witch hazel. Witch hazel applied to the skin can provide anti-inflammatory relief.
Cucumbers. These cool veggies are a natural antioxidant and analgesic (pain reliever). You can chill cucumbers, mash them in a blender and apply the paste to your skin.
Shaving cream. Shaving cream with menthol can soothe mild sunburn. Apply a thin layer to the affected area, let dry for 30 minutes and rinse.
How to treat sunburn symptoms:
Blisters. Apply cold compresses or moisturizer. Do not break open any blisters intentionally—this can cause infection. If a blister does break open, clean the area with mild soap and water. Then apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the area with gauze.
Itching. Try to avoid scratching the itch, as this will delay healing and could lead to a skin infection. Try a one percent hydrocortisone cream or take an antihistamine.
Pain and stinging. Take aspirin or ibuprofen and avoid exposing the skin to further sun damage.
Hot skin. If your skin is hot to the touch, take frequent cool showers and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Peeling skin. Treat your skin gently and don’t pick or pull at the peeling skin. Apply a moisturizer such as aloe vera.
When to see a doctor for sunburn:
Most sunburns are first-degree burns, which cause redness and pain - and you can usually treat them at home. If you spent an extended time in the sun, you might have a second-degree burn, which causes blisters. Get medical care if you have any of these symptoms:
Blistering on more than 20 percent of your body
Fainting or weakness
High fever, headache, dehydration, confusion or nausea
Skin infection
Sunburn doesn’t respond to treatment
A swim in the pool can replace a shower!?
Unfortunately, this is a myth. This is especially important to keep in mind when using public pools, where swimmers often do not shower before entering the water. Public pools have a high level of chlorine but there is still plenty of bacteria, so be sure to wash off once you’re done swimming. If you’re using a private pool or a salt-water pool, it is still not a good substitute for a shower.
Swimming on a full stomach will make you sick!?
No, swimming on a full stomach will not make you sick but it can give you cramps. While cramps are not the end of the world, they can be uncomfortable. This is because your stomach is full and not finished digesting. But, if you can swim laps in a pool right after a meal, go right ahead. Don’t let the half-hour rule stop you anymore. Of course, if your meal included alcohol, you shouldn’t go swimming.
Dark-skinned people don’t need SPF!?
It’s true that people with more pigment in their skin are much less likely to burn than those who are paler, but the truth is that everyone is at risk for skin cancer. Although it may not leave any nasty red burns behind, the sun’s UV rays are damaging to everyone. The best ways to protect your skin is by minimizing exposure to the sun and wearing adequate sun protection when outdoors.
You have to scrape or suck out the bee stinger if you get stung!?
While you do have to remove a stinger, the notion that scraping or sucking it out will help is pure myth, and one that could make things worse. The object used to scrape it out could transfer bacteria to the opening in the skin, and scraping is also more likely to break the stinger, making it even harder to remove. The longer a stinger stays in the body, the more painful the bee sting will be. Sucking it out is also ill-advised. If you do manage to suck it out, you are only spreading the venom to your mouth. The best thing to do is squeeze out the stinger as quickly as possible. Squeezing will allow the stinger to come out smoothly, in tact, and won’t cause any further infection. Of course, be sure to disinfect the area afterwards.
Eating garlic will keep mosquitoes away!?
This myth will likely keep many people away from you but unfortunately, it won’t have the same effect on blood-sucking mosquitoes, LOL 👃 To really keep mosquitoes away, try using a healthy bug spray (one without DEET, found on the EWG.org site) or placing lavender oil behind your ears. Mosquitoes and bugs are repelled by lavender and will stay away from you if you have it on.
You can catch a cold from air conditioning!?
This particularly popular myth has been going around for ages but yes it is a myth. While the air conditioning will not make you catch a cold, if those around you have a cold, you could be more susceptible to catching a virus.
The best thing to do is avoid extreme heat whenever possible and keep your air conditioning at a refreshing but moderate level. This will prevent your body from feeling excessive fluctuations and allow for more gradual body temperature changes.
If you are interested in things like ice plunges, please check out the pros and cons, and what doctors are saying about it first, HERE.
THE BOTTOM LINE
"If you're not barefoot, then you're overdressed."
― Unknown”
Hopefully we’ve reconfirmed or busted a few of those summer myths that you’ve always wondered about 😎☀️😎
Don’t use butter for sunburns, use lavender instead of garlic for bugs, drink water not sugary or alcohol to cool down, wear your sunscreen, and swim when you want 🏝☀️🏖
As the temperatures rise and the days are longer, there's no better time to kick back, relax, and soak up all that summer has to offer.
So put on your sunscreen, grab some water, and get ready to be inspired by living outdoors.
Enjoy your Summer 😎☀️😎
As always, to make an appointment with me use this link: HERE.
Or, you can always give me a call at (973) 210-3838
I want to hear from you! What summer myths have you always wondered about? Did you find this newsletter helpful?
Share your thoughts in the comments on our
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