April 28, 2011
MMS Physician Focus: April 2011
By Alice Coombs, M.D.
We all look forward to summer, particularly after a winter like
the one we just had. But summer brings its own set of health
hazards, so it's prudent to remind ourselves of the dangers of the
season and the steps we can take to stay healthy. Here are some
common potential perils.
Infectious diseases from ticks and mosquitoes -
Lyme disease, West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis - are
more prevalent in warm weather. Lyme disease, caused by the bite of
infected deer ticks, is native to Massachusetts. When outdoors
where ticks are present - grassy, wooded areas - wear long pants
and long-sleeved shirts and use a repellent with DEET for your body
and permethrin for your clothing. Inspect pets regularly for
ticks.
Infected mosquitoes transmit West Nile virus and EEE, and though
rare in humans, they can be fatal. As with ticks, use a repellant
and wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants. Eliminate areas of
water that act as mosquito breeding places - clogged gutters or
flower pots. Avoid activities at dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are
most active. Don't leave food outdoors and uncovered; that will
attract bees, mosquitoes and other flying creatures.
Skin Cancer is the most common form of cancer
in the U.S., and overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays is
the principal cause. Even one serious sunburn can raise your risk.
Use sunscreen, limit exposure, and cover exposed body parts. To
protect your eyes, wear sunglasses that block UV rays. Parents: be
especially conscious to protect young children.
Heat Exposure Extreme heat can be
life-threatening, particularly for children up to four years,
people 65 and over, those overweight, or those with chronic health
problems, such as heart disease. Wear lightweight, light-colored
clothing, drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids, and reduce
activities during these periods. And never, never leave
children or pets unattended in locked cars.
Food Contamination Reports of contaminated food
have risen dramatically, but foodborne illness isn't new: millions
of Americans get sick from food-borne illness each year. Most cases
are minor, but more than 300,000 people wind up in hospitals. Wash
your hands before handling and cooking food. When grilling
outdoors, cook food thoroughly. If you pack lunches for day trips,
use a cooler with lots of ice, because bacteria can grow quickly at
warm temperatures.
Recreational activities like bicycling or
skateboarding should always been done with a helmet - an investment
in prevention - and a safe distance from away from motor vehicle
traffic.
Water safety Drowning is the third leading cause
of accidental death in the U.S. and for children 1 to 2 years old,
it's the leading cause of death by injury. Never mix alcohol with
swimming or boating. Never swim alone, and maintain your pool to
prevent infectious diseases. And parents: always supervise young
children.
And don't forget other areas such as lawnmower safety and noise
prevention. Being aware, alert, and wise about prevention will
allow you and your family to enjoy the summer, free of illness and
injury. And tragedy.
Alice Coombs, M.D., an anesthesiologist and critical care
physician, is 2010-2011 President of the Massachusetts Medical
Society.
