Is a seaside holiday good for your health?

Water is not only a source of pleasant emotions, but also a real danger of drowning or injury. Despite all the warnings, people drown every year, including on vacation. According to the World Health Organization, drowning is the third leading cause of death from unintentional injuries in the world (7% of deaths from unintentional injuries, about 236,000 people per year). And the highest drowning rates occur among children aged 1-9. What should you remember when going to the beach?

• It is ideal if you can swim, but even this does not ensure complete safety.
• Give preference to beaches where lifeguards work.
• Don't swim too far, even if you are confident in your swimming talent.
• Pay close attention to the safety flags.
• Never leave children unattended! Even a short absence can be enough for a tragedy. Children can drown even in a small bathtub or a garden barrel of water. When at sea or in a pool, use protective equipment (vests, armbands) and do not leave children in the care of their older sisters or brothers - children should not look after children.
• Do not swim after drinking alcohol or using drugs.
• Do not swim (and especially do not dive!) in unfamiliar places, this is fraught with serious injuries.
• Be careful when swimming in cold water - there is a risk of developing cramps.
• Avoid games involving drowning, capturing people in water, etc.
• Learn the rules of first aid in case of drowning.

Remember that drowning usually happens quickly and quietly, without the stereotypical cries for help and beating of hands in the water.

Staying in the sun is not only beneficial, but also dangerous due to exposure to UV radiation (which can lead to skin cancer) and heat illness (heat exhaustion and heat stroke). So what should you do ?

• Avoid sun exposure from 11:00 AM to 3-4:00 PM. Children under 6 months should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
• Wear loose, light-colored clothing and hats that protect your face, neck, and ears. Be careful when choosing sunglasses for you and your children - they should be of high quality and protect your eyes well.
• Drink regularly, without waiting for the feeling of thirst. Cool water, fruit or vegetable juices, sports isotonic drinks are suitable as drinks. Coffee, sweet carbonated drinks, alcohol are very undesirable in this situation.
• Use sunscreens with a UV index of at least 30, remembering to reapply them regularly (at least once every 2 hours, and after each swim). Remember that even your clothes or the water you swim in partially let in ultraviolet rays. The cream should be applied 30 minutes before going out in the sun to exposed areas of skin (yes, ears and bald spots count too!) in sufficient quantities (about 2 teaspoons when applied to the face, neck and hands; about 2 tablespoons when applied to the body).
• Carefully monitor the condition of the most vulnerable family members - children, the elderly.

Another unpleasant thing to remember on holiday is the risk of getting infected with something: intestinal infections, respiratory infections, and now also coronavirus infection. How to avoid this?

• When bathing, avoid getting water in your mouth and eyes, do not swallow water, teach your children to do the same. After bathing, remove water from your ears.
• If you have any skin damage (such as from surgery or piercing), you should avoid swimming or use waterproof bandages.
• Check travel guidelines - you may want to use only bottled water for drinking, washing and brushing your teeth.
• Maintain personal hygiene - wash your hands and food frequently.
• Be careful about the food you eat and its freshness.
• In public areas (showers, swimming pools), try to wear suitable footwear to eliminate the risk of fungal infection.
• If you suffer from diarrhea, you should not go swimming in a pool - this promotes the spread of pathogens. Do not urinate in the water and do not allow your children to do so. Check children's diapers every 30-60 minutes, if necessary, change them - do it outside the water.

The ongoing risk of contracting COVID-19 deserves special mention. The virus is also active at resorts, so following simple preventive recommendations is still relevant:

• Avoid crowded places, places with poor ventilation, contact with sick people. Give preference to outdoor activities .
• Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, and if necessary, treat them with an alcohol-based product.
• Try not to touch your face, nose, eyes, mouth with dirty hands.
• Use a mask for protection if necessary.
• Cover your face when sneezing and coughing, and wash your hands afterwards.
• Get vaccinated.
• Get tested promptly, especially if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection. Do not travel if you test positive for COVID-19!

Sea water or pool water can be irritating to the skin of patients with skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis. Exposure to the sun can also worsen dry skin. Therefore, it is worth following some recommendations for skin protection:

• Before bathing, apply an emollient to your skin to maintain the protective lipid layer on its surface.
• After swimming, take a shower, thoroughly rinsing off the salt. Dry your skin without rubbing, gently patting it with a towel. Apply sunscreen.
• When you get home from the beach, shower with a gentle cleanser, gently pat dry, and reapply the emollient. If needed, apply your usual corticosteroid cream to any lesions.