By James McGuinness, M.D.
The world is a different place this hot and humid August, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic. We need to remember to social distance, continue proper handwashing and wear a mask as part of our daily routine. Teach your children from 3 years and older to wear a mask by modeling this behavior. Stay active by going for a walk or exercising at home. Only half of American adults today get enough exercise. Try to sleep approximately seven hours or more a night and eat properly.
Heat stroke can happen when you are exposed to prolonged high temperatures or engage in too much physical exertion. Do not overdo it. Fever, cramps, nausea and weakness are signs that you need immediate care. If you notice symptoms such as a flushed face, high temperature, nausea and/or confusion, contact your doctor immediately. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water. The recommended amount is approximately eight glasses every day unless instructed otherwise by your physician.
Skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer, with more cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer diagnosed in the United States each year. Melanoma, a more dangerous type of skin cancer, begins in the body’s cells that make skin pigment. You can reduce your risk of getting skin cancer by protecting your skin from overexposure to ultraviolet rays, which are emitted by the sun but also by tanning beds and sunlamps. The American Cancer Society notes the best way to avoid overexposure to harmful rays is to stay in the shade. If you will be in the sun, do not forget to slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat and wrap on sunglasses.
As we try to enjoy summer during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us may feel a growing urge to return to normal. This is because we have never gone through anything like this before. When we enjoy more flexibility, we must also remember that we are living in a totally different time when it comes to work and personal safety. If we attend small family gatherings and maybe have more of them outdoors, we need to be even more sensitive to the risks involved. We all need to acknowledge that the decisions we make do not just affect us; they affect everyone.
This unique moment in time gives us an opportunity to review the safety challenges brought on by COVID-19. There are plenty of articles and resources available online which can help you assess the level of risk with various activities. A good place to start is the CDC website: cdc.gov.
As summer heats up, do not let your guard down, while you create some of the best memories of the year. As you head out to enjoy summer, remember that what you do now can directly impact what our life will look like in the fall and winter. Let us use this time to make our future months as healthy as possible. Labor Day will be here before you know it.
The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.
– Hippocrates
James McGuinness, M.D., is a family physician in Middletow, and is the medical director of the Parker Family Health Center in Red Bank.
The article originally appeared in the August 6 – 12, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
