As Memorial Day approaches, many will gather to commemorate the holiday by spending time with family and friends, grilling, relaxing by the pool, or participating in other outdoor activities. To ensure a safe celebration, physicians from Baylor College of Medicine offer several tips.
Dr. Mike Ren, a primary care physician and associate professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated. "A good rule of thumb is to drink water regularly throughout the day, aiming for 12 or more cups; when in the heat, drink one cup (eight ounces) of water roughly every 20 minutes," Ren advised. He also recommended limiting alcohol and sugary drinks as they can contribute to dehydration. "Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and can lead to fluid loss. On the other hand, sugary drinks can cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels," he said. "Prioritizing water consumption is crucial for maintaining proper hydration levels. If you want to add a little flavor, low or zero-sugar electrolyte powders and supplements can be a good alternative."
Protecting skin from sun exposure is also essential. Dr. John Wolf, professor in the Department of Dermatology, recommends using sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30—and an SPF of 50 for intense outdoor activities—that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. For best results, reapply sunscreen every two hours.
To prevent bug bites or stings, Wolf advises using topical agents that include 20% to 30% DEET or picaridin and wearing protective clothing with long sleeves and pants. "Colorful clothing may attract insects. Avoid wearing strong perfumes and wooded areas and those with standing water that are likely to harbor mosquitoes and other insects," said Wolf.
For those planning to grill during Memorial Day weekend, Dr. Sara Andrabi, assistant professor in the Henry J.N. Taub Department of Emergency Medicine, suggests ensuring that grills are cleaned from previous use and correctly assembled according to instructions to prevent accidents or malfunctions.
"Location wise, make sure your grill is on a flat, stable surface and is away from buildings, decks or overhanging branches. Have a fire extinguisher ready just in case," she said.
Andrabi also cautions against leaving grills unattended around children and pets and advises wearing non-flammable clothes while grilling. She further recommends thawing frozen food safely in the refrigerator before grilling it.
"When frozen food gets warmer or is at room temperature for more than a few hours, it's in the danger zone where bacteria can multiply very quickly," Andrabi noted. "If you store raw meats in the refrigerator, store them away from other foods to prevent cross-contamination. Once grilled, use a food thermometer to know that your meats have reached the appropriate temperature."
