(by Nicola Simonetti) Preparations for the next summer are already in progress. Reservations, travel plan, home, pleasure boat, friends are already part of the agenda. In most of the related "dossiers", health recommendations and tools for its protection and therapy are lacking.
A kit of drugs for self-medication is essential to face any small inconveniences and risks connected to the "new" life we are about to face. That they do not serve is the superstitious premise and the wish but not to trust is a rule.
Antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, lactic ferments, laxatives, painkillers, eye drops and anything else that may be necessary in relation to our physical-clinical conditions, the geography of the chosen destination, the means used to reach it.
Pretight / cure yourself from sunburn and erythema, nausea, vomiting from motion sickness (car sickness, etc.), animal or insect bites, small traumas (hematomas, ecchymoses, small wounds, sprains, sprains, sprains, poor digestion, constipation, diarrhea , sleep disorders, headache, cough, fever, various pains, etc.
Even ointments and emollients to limit burning and inflammation in case of sunburn as well as antihistamines and local anesthetics in case of insect or jellyfish stings. To combat intimate disorders, anesthetic, lavender and antifungal creams can be used, which are also effective for cutaneous mycoses. Against ear infections, antiseptics for ear cleansing and anti-inflammatories against pain are useful.
Let us not rely on "the drug that should serve we will find it on the spot". That drug may not be available, may not have the same name, characteristics, dosage, etc. Knowing how to use it, doses not to be exceeded, contraindications, any interference with other drugs or foods or drinks must be known to us before leaving. These are indications that the pharmacist or doctor will be able to provide. So the self-medication (prevention or treatment) is with us. It can be purchased without a prescription (but the pharmacist's advice is always required), which can be distinguished by the presence, on the package, of the "red smiley sticker".
But also attention to transport. It is advisable to bring the kit with you, in the handbag, the kit. The contents could be lost or exposed to too hot or cold (in the aircraft hold, reserved for bulky luggage, the temperatures less 30-40 degrees which, like the high ones, damage the active ingredients contained in the drug packages.
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“Water can also help: in case of insect / jellyfish bites, sunburn and bruises, the application of ice is useful for relieving pain and decreasing inflammation. Water, in the form of ice, performs an effective therapeutic function which, in case of bruises, trauma and hematomas, helps to reduce inflammation, pain and swelling, thanks to the vasoconstriction action. Even in the case of fever or gastrointestinal disorders - says Dr. Ovidio Brignoli, general practitioner and vice president of the Italian Society of General Medicine and Primary Care - water is essential. When you have a fever, we sweat to lower the temperature, and it is necessary to replenish lost fluids. Same thing in case of diarrhea and intestinal disorders: water helps us to replenish lost fluids and mineral salts. In these cases, good hydration, combined with self-medication treatments, favors a quick recovery, especially important if you are away from home and want to enjoy your holiday to the fullest ".
The basic element, however, is the water to drink. "Health comes by drinking". Water is the main component of the human body and a fundamental vehicle of the substances necessary for the functioning of our body. Proper hydration According to research conducted by Assosalute (National Association of Self-Medication Drugs which is part of Federchimica) Italians tend to consume on average 1 liter and a half of water per day, in line with the indications of the experts and, although almost a one in two admit not to drink as much as they should, it also recognizes the fundamental value for health: almost 90% declares that it knows the benefits of water for health and 77% is aware that not drinking enough can have effects negative effects on the body. Indeed, the 50% of Italians believe that poor hydration can cause damage to people's health even in daily life, while 85% thinks that, above all, not drinking properly when doing sports can have harmful consequences for health.
“In a normal condition, an adult should consume at least 1 and a half liters of water per day in liquid form. Obviously - says Brignoli, the quantity varies depending on factors such as age (for a child it is enough to drink about 1 liter), the geographical position (those who live in a warm place will need to integrate a greater quantity of water) lifestyle (those who do a lot of sport or work in which they lose fluids must drink more) ”.
The sense of thirst is not always an indicator of ongoing dehydration and the need to drink. In the elderly, for example, thirst appears when, for some time, the organism is in red; in children, distraction or inability to express themselves (it is up to those who take care of it to prevent or interpret the signs of water need).
An Italian on 4 claims to drink less than a liter of water a day. The majority are over 55 and women who, although aware of the risks of insufficient hydration, tend to drink less than the average.
Summer and heat require more hydration.
Not surprisingly, among the remedies against the heat adopted by Italians, there is drinking more, practiced by almost 70% of people, followed by avoiding going out during the hottest hours (46%), eat more fruit and vegetables (40%) and cool down by turning on the air conditioning or fan (30%).
“Many foods, such as fruit and vegetables - says Dr. Paolo Vintani, pharmacist and member of Federfarma - are in themselves rich in water and for this reason, and not only, they must be consumed regularly and daily. The skin, like all epithelial lining tissues, must be kept hydrated as, in addition to performing a mechanical and physical absorption function, it acts as a protective barrier from the external environment. Hydrated skin, yes, but that it is also kept clean and intact: it must be cleansed but without exaggerating as excessive cleansing could eliminate the lipid component that protects it.