Now that the mercury has risen, you want to get outside—and there’s a lot of advice on how to do it safely. It’s a great time for some creative fun, like crafty outdoor games for kids, showing off your impressivebeach hacks, or just DIYing some delicious adults-only poptails.
But however you take advantage of summer, remember that some longstanding tips are like your favorite trashy beach novel: completely detached from reality.
Here are six summer myths worth tossing:
Citronella is not a long term solution for deterring bugs. (Photo: Thinkstock)
Myth: Citronella works as well as DEETNatural repellents like citronella can work, but not for long. The ingredients, while “natural,” usually evaporate within two hours. (High concentrations of citronella can also cause physical sensitivities, too.) Research has proven repellents containing DEET to be most effective, and many groups, like the Environmental Protection Agency, Centers for Disease Control, and American Academy of Pediatrics and World Health Organization recommend the ingredient.
The Environmental Working Group advises avoiding products containing more than 30% DEET, however, and all groups state insect repellents should be used as directed (of course).
One of the most propagated summertime myths. (Photo: Thinkstock)
Myth: Wait 30 minutes to swim after eating
It’s true that digestion involves some extra blood to process food and nutrients, but it’s not going to take anything away from your arms or legs, leaving you to drown. The fear stems from the idea that blood carries oxygen—which your muscles need to properly function.
It’s true that digestion involves some extra blood to process food and nutrients, but it’s not going to take anything away from your arms or legs, leaving you to drown. The fear stems from the idea that blood carries oxygen—which your muscles need to properly function.
But research has proven that your muscles will have enough oxygen to paddle just fine. In fact, the International Lifesaving Federation recently released a medical position statement to debunk the myth, asserting that eating an average-sized meal before a dip is just fine. Of course, if you’re a competitive swimmer, and eat a huge meal (two steaks, for example) before a race or long swim, you may experience a stomach cramp. For best results, eat as if you would before performing any form of exercise: for energy. Consume a light meal about two hours prior, and stay hydrated.
Myth: Lyme Disease comes with a bullseye rash
First, the ringed rash so commonly associated with Lyme Disease is actually just one of several forms of erythema migrans—the type of rash one can experience when contracting the disease.
First, the ringed rash so commonly associated with Lyme Disease is actually just one of several forms of erythema migrans—the type of rash one can experience when contracting the disease.
What’s more important to remember, however, is that not everyone exhibits a rash at all. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 70 percent may experience a rash from Lyme Disease, and that number can fluctuate by region. Researchers found that in 2010, only 43 percent of people suffering from Lyme Disease in Maine experienced a rash.
If you experience flu-like symptoms and have been in grassy or wooded areas, see your doctor immediately to get tested. Lyme cases peak in July and August, so it’s best to be prudent if you feel sick.
Garlic as mosquito repellent just doesn’t work. (Photo: Thinkstock)
Myth: Eating garlic keeps mosquitos away
Researchers from the University of Connecticut found that ingesting garlic had no effect on repelling mosquitos.
Researchers from the University of Connecticut found that ingesting garlic had no effect on repelling mosquitos.
The researchers had subjects consume garlic pills over the course of two days, and then let the little bloodsuckers loose to see what happened. They chowed down on the test subjects, it turns out.
The study’s authors noted that it’s still unclear if more prolonged consumption of garlic might still have an effect. But ingesting garlic for too long, or in too high amounts can actually be unhealthy. For best results, use an insect repellent as directed.
Be generous with the sunscreen to keep your skin protected from the sun. (Photo: Thinkstock)
Myth: Sunburns turn into a tan
A sunburn is unfortunately what it sounds like: a sunburn. The American Cancer Society estimated that 73,870 melanomas will be diagnosed in 2015 alone, and sunburns can actually increase the risk factor—by way of ultraviolet (UV) damage. (Though, UV damage caused by a nice, golden tan can also put someone at risk.) The American Cancer Society recommends slathering on sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and seeking shade—especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is at its peak.
A sunburn is unfortunately what it sounds like: a sunburn. The American Cancer Society estimated that 73,870 melanomas will be diagnosed in 2015 alone, and sunburns can actually increase the risk factor—by way of ultraviolet (UV) damage. (Though, UV damage caused by a nice, golden tan can also put someone at risk.) The American Cancer Society recommends slathering on sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and seeking shade—especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is at its peak.
Shades aren’t just for looks, they also keep your eyes safe from the sun’s radiation. (Photo: Thinkstock)
Myth: Your eyes can’t get sunburned
Any exposed part of your body can burn from the sun’s UV light—which unfortunately means your eyes are at risk, like anything else. According to the Mayo Clinic, sunburned eyes feel gritty, or may simply hurt. UV damage can also cause more longterm changes, like redness, clouded vision, or worse, cataracts, from repeated exposure. Wear sunglasses with at least 100% UV protection. And if you’ve suffered a sunburn, see your eye doctor to assess the damage. Some new contact lenses offer UV protection, which could be an option if you wear prescription lenses, too.
Any exposed part of your body can burn from the sun’s UV light—which unfortunately means your eyes are at risk, like anything else. According to the Mayo Clinic, sunburned eyes feel gritty, or may simply hurt. UV damage can also cause more longterm changes, like redness, clouded vision, or worse, cataracts, from repeated exposure. Wear sunglasses with at least 100% UV protection. And if you’ve suffered a sunburn, see your eye doctor to assess the damage. Some new contact lenses offer UV protection, which could be an option if you wear prescription lenses, too.