Biology

Discussion
A summer picnic is comprised of many activities such as swimming, mountain climbing, sporting and dining. These activities expose members to various health hazards risks, from minor injuries such as cuts, bruises, injuries to serious accidents such as drowning and suffocation. (Robert, 2001).  No one wants to think about getting sick or hurt during a trip, but sometimes these things happen. You may not be able to prevent every illness or injury, but you can plan to be able to deal with them. The following are some of summer health dangers and to you can avoid them
       
Skin cancer is a risk that depends on several factors. Long exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Other risk factors for developing skin cancer are a family history of melanoma, a skin that burns or freckles easily, and a light skin. Skin cancer can be prevented by using a sunscreen cream, or wearing a sunhat if you are planning to be outdoors for an extended period.

The season is usually characterized with eating outdoors or packing food to the picnic site. This increases chances of food poisoning because of exposing the food to food- borne bacteria. This can be prevented by keeping the food at proper temperature and by throwing away food if let out on the table for more than two hours. Planning for the right amount of food to pack is also important in order to reduce chances of having leftovers. Water safety is also important to check on. Drinking water should be treated and if there is not a safe source of water, water jugs and soap should be used for cleaning hands or the disposable towelettes should be used. The utensils should be well cleaned and properly stored.
           
Dehydration is another risk factor. Due to strenuous activities that are done during picnicking at the heat of the summer, the body loses a lot of water especially due to sweating. (Roberts, 2001).  It is important to have enough water throughout the picnic period to drink when it is humid or hot in order to replace lost fluids.
         
A picnic in an open area presents the chances of attack by parasites and other insects. For example mosquitoes, which not only transmit vectors but also, causes irritation due to its bite. Apart from mosquitoes, examples of other organisms that can cause diseases include tsetse flies, which cause sleeping sickness in human, leech, which an ecto-parasite sucks, blood from the host and insects such as the bees (Parturas, 2001). The bites can be prevented by avoiding buggy areas and by using insects repellants on the skin and on clothing.  Avoiding areas with stagnant water is also recommended to reduce the number of mosquitoes. Wearing long pants or sleeves is also good when walking during dawn at dusk.
     
Poor ventilation is another possible risk factor during summer picnics not only to people with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but can cause headaches and breathing difficulties to other people. (Parturas, 2001).  To avoid such a case, quality of air in the place to enter should be considered before setting out for the picnic. First aid kits should also be carried along to the site of picnic. The kit should be well stocked and should be readily available in case of an emergency.

It is therefore crucial to take summer safety more seriously than the preparations for enjoying the sun and the fun that comes with it.