Summer’s Most Infectious Bacteria

Watch out for summer's most infectious bugs (bacteria, not mosquitoes!).
Ah, the lazy days of summer... picnics, pool time and parties.

But, it's not all fun and games. There are certain "bugs" that spike during the summer months. 

Sherry Torkos, BScPhm, RPh, joins host Melanie Cole to share which bugs are particularly problematic in summer, as well as simple ways to make sure you stay healthy and safe.

Food-borne Illness/Food Poisoning
The biggest culprits in food-borne illnesses are E coli, salmonella, listeria. Symptoms may include diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach, and stomach pain. Be cautious about the types of foods you're packing. Dried fruit, nuts, and fresh fruit kept in a bag with an ice pack are excellent choices. Celery and cucumbers are also great options because these foods are also hydrating. Stay away from cheese, eggs, milk, and meats. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.

Bladder Infections
Symptoms of a bladder infection include urination frequency, urgency, and pain. One trigger is dehydration, because your urine becomes more concentrated. Another cause is if you're in and out of a pool/lake and constantly in a wet suit. Keep yourself dry. Drink lots of cranberry. 

Superbugs 
Superbugs are antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as MRSA. Essentially, these bacteria become smarter than the drugs used to treat them. An estimated 2 million Americans contract these diseases yearly. Fortify your immune system to prevent contracting a superbug infection. Only take antibiotics when you absolutely need them. Support your immune system with things like AHCC and medicinal mushrooms.

Overall, you should make sure you're getting enough good bacteria (probiotics, kefir, pre-biotic foods/fibers) and make sure you're staying hydrated. When you have that thirst sensation, your body is already becoming dehydrated.

Additional Info

  • Segment Number: 4
  • Audio File: health_radio/1623ml5d.mp3
  • Featured Speaker: Sherry Torkos, BScPhm, RPh
  • Guest Facebook Account: :www.facebook.com/holstic.sherry
  • Guest Twitter Account: @Sherry_Torkos
  • Guest Bio: Sherry TorkosSherry Torkos, B.Sc.Phm., R.Ph., is a pharmacist, author, certified fitness instructor and health enthusiast who enjoys sharing her passion with others. She graduated with honors from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science in 1992. Since that time she has been practicing holistic pharmacy in the Niagara region of Ontario. Her philosophy of practice is to integrate conventional and complementary therapies to optimize health and prevent disease.

    Torkos has won several national pharmacy awards for providing excellence in patient care. As a leading health expert, she has delivered hundreds of lectures to medical professionals and the public. Torkos is frequently interviewed on news shows throughout North America and abroad. She has authored 18 books and booklets, including, Saving Women’s Hearts, The Canadian Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine and The Glycemic Index Made Simple.

  • Length (mins): 10
  • Waiver Received: Yes
  • Internal Notes: rescheduled for 06/10/16
  • Host: Melanie Cole, MS