Prevention measures for summer

Summer is fully upon us and we are facing the hottest days of the year. In addition to being the most dangerous season of the year in terms of accidents, during the summer there are also lifestyle choices that increase body heat and cause health risks. This Segmento de Salud is dedicated to summer-specific prevention measures for health and safety.

During the summertime there are more medical emergencies and the biggest of these are car accidents. On summer break, there are more travelers on the roads. Many of these are young people, whose brains are still developing and lack the same understanding of cause and effect as adult brains have. Additionally, there are more hours of daylight, more time outside and more alcohol consumption. During the summer, more burns occur, such as from fireworks, grill cooking accidents, or campfires. Water accidents such as drowning, aspiration of water and undercurrents also increase this time of year.

The hottest months of the year also see more incidences of violence. In modern medicine, this tendency is attributed to heat and elevated pulse and pressure, but according to traditional Chinese medicine, some seasonal customs are even more responsible for the increase in crime from June to August. High consumption of alcohol and smoked and fried foods is associated with increased internal heat in the liver. According to this ancient medical system, this organ is linked to anger, frustration, resentment, bitterness, loss of control, and the autonomic nervous system. Creating conditions that stress the liver during hot weather results in the exaggerated expression of these emotions as well as other long term pathologies. Therefore, the consumption of these foods and drinks is best done during winter to warm the body in cold weather.

Traditionally, this season was spent with family in the shade or near a refreshing shore, enjoying seasonal fruits and fresh smoothies, not in full sun or increasing body heat. With these precautions in mind, I wish you all a lovely, memorable, and peaceful summer with your loved ones.