Is swimming after the meal dangerous? Experts refute some summer ideas – 04/07/2018

As summer sets in, it is important to pay close attention to your health, including avoiding exposure to the sun or drinking too much water. To stay informed about the best ways to live a safe vacation, experts refute here some common myths about the summer, and give their advice to take good care of oneself and one's family.

Seawater allows better to heal

False. "It's a myth that saltwater can contain germs or bacteria that can infect an open wound," says Isabel Valdez, MD, Baylor College of Medicine. the wound healed completely before diving into the water, be it from a river or the sea. "

To speed up the healing process, she recommends washing the wound with hot, soapy water . If the wound is red, becomes painful or hot to the touch, consult your doctor

You may have stomach cramps when swimming too fast after the meal

True (in part). If you're going to swim, or if you're doing a demanding activity too quickly after eating, there's a slight risk of cramps, says Valdez. However, even if swimming with a full stomach can be unpleasant, it is not a vital risk. You just have to give yourself some time to digest.

No need to put sunscreen when the weather is cloudy

False. "It is absolutely necessary to put sunscreen even when the sky is cloudy, because we are exposed to UV rays", explains Isabel Valdez: "I recommend a screen of index at least equal to 30." She adds that it is necessary to think to reapply during the day, especially if one goes swimming or if one transpired.

Children have less need of sleep the summer [19659005] False. It may still be daylight, and children may be in a hurry to stay up longer, but they need the same number of hours of sleep in the summer as during the rest of the year, explains Blake Jones, badistant professor of human development and family studies at Purdue University. "The school is over and the children want to stay up longer, usually to play outside, but it is crucial to maintain their usual sleep pattern," he continues.

"Summer is also the season when children often gain weight.There are several potential reasons for this, including going to bed later on eating fatter and sweeter, increasing screen time and sedentary behaviors, or to change the rhythm of sleep. "

All drinks do not help to stay hydrated

False. "At the beach or by the pool, the best way to hydrate yourself is simply to drink water," says Valdez. A soda or a cold beer can be refreshing in the hot summer temperatures, but do not hydrate. Alcohol and caffeine are diuretics, which cause the body to lose water.