Every summer, the beach leaves us with indelible memories. And, often, bumps, stings, or wounds are also part of the summer landscape. Most are minor and, with the intervention of lifeguards, heal in a few days. However, some require medical attention, especially if sharp objects are involved or strong gusts from jumping into the water or colliding with recreational boats. Pedro Pedralbes, director of the ENSSAP Lifeguard School, assures that "every day more interventions are carried out for cuts due to the debris that the sea washes up on the beaches," which has led to an increase in medical care on the beach.

Indigestion. Three words that return to beaches and pools every summer as warnings: "Don't go in yet" or "Wait a while." These expressions become almost a mantra, but they seem to disappear when the heat ends. The image is clear: a full stomach and, suddenly, a jump into the water that paralyzes the body. But how true is this?

Year after year, each summer is hotter than the last. The stifling temperatures mean we have to be increasingly careful with sun exposure. Montse Ciurana, a family doctor at the Catalan Institute of Health (ICS) in Central Catalonia, explains that heat stroke occurs when, once we are exposed to very high temperatures, our temperature temporarily rises, which can cause everything from dizziness to vomiting. "However, we must differentiate between sunstroke and heat exhaustion: sunstroke occurs when we have been exposed to a lot of sun; heat exhaustion is more intense and has more side effects," explains Ciurana.

In summer, raising or lowering the air conditioning temperature becomes one of the main causes of discussion both at work and at home. But can air conditioning really cause colds? The Baix Berguedà City Council (EAP) assures that, as long as we use it properly, it will be beneficial: we shouldn't experience too much cold or heat. Furthermore, Garcia explains the importance of maintaining our unit properly. "It's important to clean the air conditioning filters at least once a month," she says. "It's important to drink water frequently when we turn it on." Finally, she recommends good ventilation. To achieve this without losing the optimal temperature in the home, the deputy director of the Baix Berguedà City Council (EAP) recommends opening the windows for a while during periods of less sunlight and lowering them during peak hours. Standing and standing are a good option. However, keep in mind that standing in a spot where the air hits us directly can also cause discomfort.

With the arrival of warmer weather, feet seek freedom. High temperatures encourage us to take off our shoes and opt for lightweight footwear. But not everything is fine. The apparent comfort of flip-flops hides risks that many people are unaware of. Experts from the College of Podiatrists of Catalonia warn that this type of footwear, so common during the summer months, can become the silent enemy of our feet.

As a Mediterranean country, it's clear that socializing tends to take place outdoors, and in the summer, probably enjoying the sun. But despite our geographic predisposition to greater exposure to the sun's rays, it's up to each individual to decide what relationship we want to have with the sun. We spoke about all this with the doctor of dermatology. Ramon Grimalt Santacana.