Q: What is Lyme disease?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Lyme disease is an illness caused by a specific bacteria transmitted to humans via black-legged or deer ticks with an active infection. Fever, fatigue, and headaches are the most prevalent symptoms. Lyme disease is common during the summer due to the possibility of exposure. While there is no guarantee that a person will not be exposed to an infected tick, preventative methods include reducing tick habitats, applying pesticides in outdoor areas, removing ticks promptly, and using an insect repellent.
Q: Why is dehydration a potential threat during the summer?
Marla Ahlgrimm: During the summer months, men and women alike sweat more than they do in the winter. Because of this, mild dehydration is common. Most adults can remedy this situation by drinking a glass of water. However, untreated, dehydration can result in confusion, dizziness, and may trigger serious complications such as seizures and kidney failure.
Q: Are headaches more common in June, July, and August than the rest of the year?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Headaches are common year-round. However, many women report increased frequency during the summer. This may be attributed to exposure to UV radiation and sunlight. Wearing sunglasses outdoors and using an SPF 30+ sunscreen may help.
Q: How can I prevent a yeast infection/athlete’s foot?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Yeast infections and athlete’s foot run rampant during the summer, as people spend more time in damp bathing suits or visiting areas prone to fungus, such as municipal swimming pools. Women may reduce the risk of yeast infection by changing out of swimwear as soon as possible and using fragrance-free tampons. Athlete’s foot, which is highly contagious, may be avoided by wearing shower shoes in public water recreation areas.
