Summer risks to avoid
ALEXANDRA - Summer is a time for pleasurable moments including the festive period and relaxing in readiness for the new year's challenges.
Summer is a time for pleasurable moments including the festive period and relaxing in readiness for the new year’s challenges.
Similarly, it has many challenges and risks which can be averted by taking precautions and by abiding by the rules.
Council has already warned against one risk, that of drowning. This can happen when crossing low-level bridges by car or on foot when not aware of the water level, or when crossing rivers when under the influence of alcohol and under impaired judgement. Drowning can also happen in controlled pools. Public pools during the day may have lifeguards and council advises against swimming in their absence. A similar warning is given to private pools for those who can’t swim. Even when present, experienced swimmers may not have the relevant skills in water rescue.
Also, we tend to sun bath on beaches and lush lawns in summer. Health experts advise against over exposure to the sun even when using sunscreen. This is for protection against intense heat generated by global warming, which can cause incurable skin cancers. Also, heat can cause dehydration and deadly heat stroke. Revelers are advised to taper alcoholic and fizzy drinks with water intake to regulate body temperature. They further advise that the human body, which is 80 percent water, needs to maintain this balance through the intake of at least eight glasses of water per day.
The waist bulge from over consumption of junk food is another summer phenomenon which can lead to heart diseases, diabetes and high blood pressure. Revelers are urged to moderate sweet and salty foods with salads, carbohydrates and protein-enriched foods to make for a balanced and less fatty and starchy diet.
Travel is also synonymous with summer and travel agencies advise those visiting nature parks to heed health advise on malaria by taking prophylaxis which is available in pharmacies, clinics and hospitals.
On localised travel to malls and restaurants, the tendency is to drive with open windows for fresh air and unlocked doors. This should be avoided to curb carjackings, and smash and grab of exposed valuables. Advice is for motorists to maintain a consistent all-season security behaviour of locking car doors, keeping windows closed and using air conditioner for fresh air. Travel consultant Catherine Reichardt advises those pestered for parking by self-appointed parking attendants to establish rapport, but for a fee payable on return. Other advise is for motorists to test door handles for safety against the jamming of remote signals.
