Dispelling some summertime myths

FLUID FABLE: Too much water can actually be harmful for older people.

FACT or myth? You hear myths about health every summer, but what is fact and what is fiction?

Here are some myths about health in summer:

Older people need to drink more fluids

To avoid heatstroke, experts always recommend drinking more fluids a day. However, in the case of older people it is something we must take special care of, as they have less ability to sweat and excess fluid can cause kidney problems.

It is not necessary to use sunglasses if it is cloudy

Although it may not be sunny, solar radiation is always present. In the days when there are high clouds, ultraviolet radiation is weakened only slightly, so you have to protect your eyes.

Urine relieves jellyfish stings

Many Spanish beaches in summer warn about unwanted visitors: jellyfish. A widespread belief is that reducing their sting can be done by urine, but it has been shown that this serves no purpose. Instead, it is recommended to wash the sting with vinegar and then fresh water.

Heat stroke only happens in the sun 

Heat stroke can reach anywhere with high temperatures, whether in direct sunlight or not. High temperatures can cause dehydration, dizziness and even suffocation.  

Energy drinks are the best to recover from exercise

Consumption in excess of this type of drink can cause heart palpitations, as it is a stimulant it can lead the heart to unusual activity and rhythm. 

In summer you need less sleep

Some people feel that in summer they need less sleep, although that’s not entirely true. Exercise, diet or stress of the holidays are factors that influence sleep.  

If you have moles do not sit in the sun

The risks of skin cancer has helped establish this belief. Although the incidence of melanoma has increased and doctors have expanded the recommendations and precautions to take to avoid this type of cancer, the fact is that people who have moles do not have to shy away from the sun as long as proper sun care protection is taken.

Athlete’s foot affects athletes or people with poor hygiene

In summer, visits to pools increases and with them the possibility of developing fungi. This happens if you do not use flip flops around the pool, especially at the edges of the water, where puddles are a breeding ground for micro-organisms so it is not due to poor hygiene.

Sun improves psoriasis

Although it is true that the sea water can help eliminate and ease psoriasis in sufferers, too much sun can be harmful to the skin of people suffering from this disease because it promotes skin ageing.

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