Memorial Day means firing up the outdoor barbecue for the season, ideally under warm, sunny skies. Dr. Mike Ren, an associate professor of family and community medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, advises adopting a few easy precautions to ensure a safe day.
Watch out for growing heat and humidity.
If Memorial Day is hot, Ren recommends staying hydrated.
“A good rule of thumb is to drink water regularly throughout the day, aiming for 12 or more cups; when in the heat, drink one cup (eight ounces) of water roughly every 20 minutes,” he suggested.
Also, avoid things that can dehydrate your body.
Memorial Day
“Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it causes increased urine production and fluid loss,” Ren explained in a Baylor news release.
“On the other hand, sugary drinks can cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels,” he stated. “Prioritizing water consumption is critical for being properly hydrated. If you want to add some flavor, low- or zero-sugar electrolyte powders and supplements are a wonderful option.”
Memorial Day
Protect your skin from the sun.
People may have forgotten the sun’s perils as winter and spring fade.
Dr. John Wolf, a dermatology professor at Baylor, suggests applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or 50 when engaging in strenuous outdoor activities.
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Insects abound
Warmer weather signals the return of flies, wasps, mosquitoes, and other flying insects. To avoid stings, apply insect repellents containing 20% to 30% DEET or picaridin and dress in protective clothing with long sleeves and slacks.
“Colorful clothing may attract insects,” Wolf explained. “Avoid wearing strong perfumes in wooded areas and those with standing water that are likely to harbor mosquitoes and other insects.”
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Grilling can present hazards.
Every year, Americans get injured while using gas barbecues in their backyards.
Dr. Sara Andrabi, an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Baylor, says the first step for grill users is to ensure the appliance is well cleansed of last year’s cooking residue.
“Place your grill on a flat, firm surface, away from buildings, decks, and overhanging trees. “Have a fire extinguisher handy, just in case,” she said.
When working near an open flame on a grill, Andrabi advised against wearing loose garments or long sleeves.
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Grills are extremely dangerous to children and pets, so never leave a working grill unattended.
Andrabi also had some ideas for the foods you place.
First and foremost, let any frozen meat or other food to gently thaw in the refrigerator rather than on the kitchen counter.
“When frozen food gets warmer or is at room temperature for more than a few hours, it’s in the danger zone where bacteria can multiply very quickly,” Andrabi said.
Furthermore, “if you store raw meats in the refrigerator, store them away from other foods to prevent cross-contamination,” she stated. “Once grilled, use a food thermometer to know that your meats have reached the appropriate temperature.”
Also read: The CDC Is Preparing For The Possibility Of An Increased Human Health Risk From Bird Flu
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Disclaimer: The opinions and suggestions expressed in this article are solely those of the individual analysts. These are not the opinions of HNN. For more, please consult with your doctor
