Summer is a great time to travel and enjoy the great outdoors, with this year being extra exciting as more and more activities are opening up once again. However, the rising temperatures this season come with plenty of health risks, too. Before facing the heat and enjoying your summer plans, it is important to reacquaint ourselves with what we need to prepare for out there to stay safe.
AXA Philippines, one of the leading insurance providers in the country, shares some of the most common summer health hazards to watch out for and how to deal with them:
Heat stroke. It’s good to have fun under the sun, but like everything, it is best done in moderation, as hot temperatures may cause heat exhaustion and heatstroke. When temperatures start nearing 40 ºC, pay attention to how your body is reacting. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms for heat stroke may include a body temperature of 41ºC or higher, heavy sweating, headache, rising pulse, muscle cramps, or vomiting. To prevent this, drink plenty of fluids and try to schedule your activities when the heat is more bearable, such as in the early morning or late afternoon.
Food poisoning. Foodborne illnesses like diarrhea and salmonella are more common during the summer season because the bacteria that thrive in warmer temperatures causes food to spoil more easily, per the CDC. With this, the Department of Health (DOH) advises to check for unusual odor or signs of mold or spoilage before consuming any food. The DOH also reminds the public to always observe proper washing of fruit, meats, vegetables, and even kitchen utensils. Also, observe proper food storage and be sure to keep leftovers in the fridge.
Water-related injuries. For some, summer may not be complete without a trip to the beach or a day lounging by the pool. However, swimming also poses its share of dangers - from infections to diving injuries to drowning. When swimming with children, stay vigilant since swallowing even a small amount of water may be enough for them to develop an infection that can become serious if not treated immediately. To stay safe in the water, only swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards and have children or inexperienced swimmers wear life jackets.
Rabies. During summertime, the prevalence of rabies goes up as most dogs’ temperament are sensitive to high temperatures. According to the CDC, rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. This is a good time to make sure that your pets are vaccinated against rabies to protect not only them, but yourself, your family, and others in the community. When someone gets bitten or scratched by an animal, visit the nearest hospital for urgent medical attention.
Whatever your plans may be for the summer, vigilance is key to keep your family safe. For additional protection for your family, don’t hesitate to take extra steps that may help should anything happen, such as securing a health insurance plan.
AXA Health Care Access is a comprehensive and affordable health plan for hospitalization and other medical needs. This plan can be used for emergency treatment that includes emergency room use, doctors’ services, medicines, and laboratory and diagnostic tests done during treatment. It also comes with access to 24/7 teleconsultation with a medical professional via the Emma by AXA PH app, and an option to get covered for outpatient care.
Take charge of your health and enjoy a relaxing and safe summer with AXA Health Care Access. For more information, visit https://www.axa.com.ph/health-protection/health-care-access.