For many people, June and July mean the end of all the ailments associated with spring: influenza, hay fever, allergies, and rosacea. Summer is a great time to get outdoors and safely enjoy the sun, beach, pool, campgrounds, etc. But summer brings a unique set of health concerns that are mostly preventable.

Here’s a list of common summer ailments, and some tips on what to do if you experience them this season:

1. Sunburns and Heatstroke.
Check here for an overview of this common summer health condition. This is a very preventable health issue! Remember to increase your water intake when you’re in the heat, be diligent with your sunscreen, wear hats, sunglasses, and loose-fitting clothing, and limit vigorous exercise in excessive heat.

2. Food Poisoning.
Every time you attend a BBQ, picnic, or any event that serves food outdoors, be wary of perishable foods that have been left in the sun. Also, make sure your grilled meats are fully cooked. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus or E. coli are usually the culprits in contaminated food. Food poisoning can last for a couple days, so the biggest concern is dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea. The most important thing you can do is stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to replace the fluids you lose when you get sick. Avoid solid foods until you are no longer experiencing negative side effects.

3. Prickly Heat.
This irritable rash is common in hot, humid weather, and is caused by clogged sweat glands. Children and infants are especially prone to develop prickly heat. It causes small red rashes that are very uncomfortable and spread quickly. Prickly heat can best be avoided by staying hydrated, keeping your skin cool with loose clothing, air conditioning, and misting the skin with clean water when you’re in the heat. Sometimes your doctor will prescribe topic creams if the rash becomes severe.

4. Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac.
Direct contact with these plants can cause an itchy rash to form on your skin, and you may develop small blisters that resemble the vine of a plant. Be aware of what these plants look like before you go on your next hike, so you know what to avoid. Treat poison ivy, oak, and sumac with calamine lotion, 1% hydrocortisone cream, and tepid baths. Try not to scratch!

You may have noticed a common theme for each of these ailments: water. Whether you drink more water, mist water on your skin to cool down, or submerge yourself in a bath, it is an amazing health booster for summer conditions!

Trust Kangen Water® to give your body ultimate hydration and enhance your health this summer. Drink 8-10 glasses of water every day, or more if you spend a lot of time in the sun. Enagic’s Beauty Water is the perfect option for baths or mists. It leaves your skin moisturized and glowing!