December 17, 2019
Summer tips to stay healthy
For many people, the Aussie summer is a time for heading to the beach and enjoying backyard celebrations with friends and family.
Most Australians know how important it is to keep hydrated and ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’, but may not be aware of the toll alcohol can take on summer health and safety.
Sunburn risk increases
Alcohol can increase the risk of sunburn.1 Simply put; because alcohol has detrimental effects on the body it decreases the body’s ability to protect the skin from UV light.1
If you are consuming alcohol outdoors, reapply sunscreen regularly, wear a hat and socialise in the shade.
Swimming can be dangerous
Alcohol consumption significantly contributes to drowning deaths. Royal Life Saving Australia reports that:
‘Alcohol contributes to at least 20 per cent of all adult drowning deaths every year. This rises to 41 per cent in the 15–29 years age group but the overall figure is likely to be higher as alcohol is not tested for in all drowning deaths.’2
Alcohol places you at a higher risk when swimming because it impairs your decision making capabilities, increases risk taking, impairs coordination and reaction time, and decreases the effectiveness of CPR.
Drinking water is important
Alcohol is a diuretic. This means that when you consume alcohol the body releases more fluids in comparison to other liquids; this process can cause dehydration.3, 4 Always space alcoholic drinks with a glass of water.
Dehydration and sun exposure are significant factors that lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Effects of heat-related illness include headache, nausea, dizziness, delirium, fainting and coma.5
Ensure you keep yourself cool by drinking lots of water to stay hydrated. Protect yourself with sunscreen, shade and a hat.5
Plan safe transport in advance
In Victoria, alcohol contributes to close to a quarter of all fatal road crashes.6
The Transport Accident Commission reports that impairment begins at 0.02 BAC (blood alcohol concentration), meaning smaller amounts of alcohol can affect your ability to concentrate and react appropriately when driving.6
If you consume alcohol, organise a friend or family member to be your designated driver, know your public transport options or call a taxi/rideshare.
More information:
Cancer Council Australia: sun safety
Royal Life Saving Australia: alcohol and water safety
- Darvin ME, Sterry W, Lademann J, Patzelt A. Alcohol Consumption Decreases the Protection Efficiency of the Antioxidant Network and Increases the Risk of Sunburn in Human Skin. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. 2012;26(1):45-51.
- Royal Life Saving Australia. Alcohol and Water Safety 2012
- Hobson RM, Maughan RJ. Hydration status and the diuretic action of a small dose of alcohol. Alcohol and Alcoholism. 2010;45(4):366-73.
- Maughan RJ, Watson P, Cordery PA, Walsh NP, Oliver SJ, Dolci A, et al. A randomized trial to assess the potential of different beverages to affect hydration status: development of a beverage hydration index. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2016;103(3):717-23.
- Better Health Channel. Heat stress and heat-related illness 2019
- Transport Accident Commission. Drink driving 2019