Bonjour-santé nurses help you have a worry-free summer

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Summer is meant to be spent playing, camping, swimming, gardening and hiking. Enjoying life and the beautiful weather! Yet no matter how careful we are, incidents and injuries can still happen. With the Bonjour-santé membership, members have unlimited access to our team of nurses by e-consult to discuss their health and get advice.

We asked our nurses to share their top tips for preventing and treating three common summer issues: heat stroke, sunburn and exposure to poison ivy. Here they are‍:
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1. What to do if you think you are having a heat stroke?

First you have to determine that you are indeed suffering from heat stroke.

Common early symptoms:
Vertigo, dizziness, weakness, clumsiness and poor coordination, fatigue, headaches, blurred vision, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting.

Common heat stroke symptoms:
Vertigo, dizziness, weakness, clumsiness and poor coordination, fatigue, headaches, blurred vision, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting.

Common symptoms of heat stroke :

Your skin is hot, red and sometimes dry. You may not sweat even though it's very hot. Your pulse and breathing speed up. As a result of poor brain function, you may become confused, disorientated, have convulsions or, in serious cases, go into a coma.
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How to prevent a heat stroke:

• Avoid going out in the hot sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. especially during extreme heat.
• Always stay well hydrated and carry a bottle of water with you.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Adjust your clothing to the weather (loose-fitting, light-coloured).
• Adjust your physical activity to the weather and your sensitivities.
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What to do if you have symptoms of heat stroke:

• Remove yourself from sources of heat (sun, hot enclosed areas).
• Take off any clothing that covers up too much.
• Cool your body quickly with water. Ideally, immerse yourself in water (shower, bath, swimming pool, lake, etc.) or pour water over yourself and ventilate as best you can.
• Hydrate with regular water or electrolyte-enriched water.
• If symptoms persist or worsen, call the ambulance.‍
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2. What to do if you have a big sunburn?

Among their summer tips, the Bonjour-santé nurses address the most common summer concern: sunburn!
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How to prevent a sunburn:

• Apply a good quality sun cream, more than once if you are swimming or sweating heavily.
• Cover up with clothing and a hat or cap.
• Dress accordingly (psst, short- and long-sleeved swimming costumes are very practical!).
• Stay in the shade.
• Avoid being in the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Wear sunglasses.
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What to do if you have a sunburn:

• Soothe your skin by applying cool, lukewarm compresses to the areas that burn most.
• Apply aloe vera gel or after-sun gel to moisturise the skin.
• Watch out for the symptoms of heat stroke (see above) and keep well hydrated.
• Do not re-expose your skin to the sun while it is red or dry.
• If you notice blisters, avoid bursting them.
• If the symptoms persist or worsen, consult a health professional.
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3. What to do if you've been exposed to poison ivy?

Poison ivy can be found throughout all of Quebec, as Bonjour-santé nurses remind us. It can be found in a wide variety of places, including forests and fields, along roadsides, walls, fences, riverbanks, etc.

Think you've been exposed to poison ivy? Look out for signs of skin infection: redness, swelling, pain, purulent discharge.
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How to prevent exposure to poison ivy:

• Stay on the designated paths at all times.
• Wear protective clothing such as long trousers, long-sleeved shirts and closed shoes.
• Don't touch plants you don't recognise.
• Learn to identify poison ivy.‍
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What to do if you have been exposed to poison ivy:

• As soon as you are exposed to poison ivy, wash your skin immediately with soap and cold water, and don't forget the underside of your fingernails. 
• Wash clothes, objects and even your dog if they have been exposed to poison ivy.
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To relieve symptoms:

• Apply cold water compresses to the affected area for 15 to 30 minutes, several times a day.
• Take a warm bath with baking soda and colloidal oatmeal powder.
• Avoid hot baths and showers. Hot water can increase redness, itching and swelling.
• If necessary, consult your pharmacist or healthcare professional for other treatment options.‍
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Continue to enjoy a fun and worry-free summer!

To get advice at any time from Bonjour-santé nurses and also enjoy a host of complementary health services, discover the Bonjour-santé membership!