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Summer Sun Safety: 7 Tips to Protect Yourself from the Summer Heat
It’s the summer season and millions are getting out to these warm and sunny days enjoying outdoor activities. However, the intense sun and heat associated with this time of year also brings along with it potential health risks, such as dehydration or worse, heat stroke. Fortunately, we can protect ourselves and enjoy the summer by following a few essential sun safety tips.
1. Sunscreen is Yucky! Wait...What’s SPF, anyway?
One of the best ways to protect yourself from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun is to use a high-SPF sunscreen. Sunscreen protects our skin with something called its “sun protection factor”, or “SPF”, which can block out both UVA and UVB rays. SPF strength is measured in increasing increments of 10 and generously applying an SPF of at least 30+, ideally every two hours and after swimming or excessive sweating, is recommended.
2. Long Sleeves on a Hot Day?
Clothing serves as a physical barrier between your skin and the sun's rays. Choose long-sleeved shirts and long pants made of tightly-woven fabric. Clothes with a UV protection factor (UPF) rating are especially beneficial. Additionally, a wide-brimmed hat can protect your face, ears, and neck.
3. The Sun is so Bright, You Gotta Wear Shades!
Excessive exposure to the sun can damage your eyes and can lead to conditions like cataracts. To prevent this, wear sunglasses that block out 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB radiation.
4. Don’t Throw Shade, Catch It Instead!
While it's enjoyable to bask in the warmth of the sun, it's crucial to seek shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun's rays are most intense. If you can't find natural shade, create shade with an umbrella or a pop-up canopy.
5. Are You Staying Hydrated?
We’re humans, therefore we sweat. Then, as the warm air crosses our skin, it evaporates, cooling us down. If we get to overheated for too long, we can be susceptible to dehydration and heat stroke. To avoid this, drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, even if you're not feeling thirsty. Water is best, but beverages like coconut water or sports drinks can also help replenish lost electrolytes.
6. What is the UV Index and Why Should I Care?
The UV Index, available in weather forecasts apps, indicates the strength of sun's UV rays. The scale ranges from 0 (low) to 11+ (extreme). If the UV Index is high, take extra precautions like wearing sunscreen, covering up, and seeking shade.
7. Good for What Ails You, Bad Under the Sun!
Certain medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, leading to sunburns or rashes. These can include certain antibiotics, antihistamines, and antidepressants. If you're taking medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist about any potential photosensitivity reactions.
While summer warmth encourages us to get out into the great outdoors, it's crucial to balance our fun with health-conscious behaviors. By observing these fun-in-the-sun safety tips into our summer outdoors adventures, we can enjoy the sunshine responsibly and protect ourselves from potential sun-related health risks. After all, preventing a potential health issue due to overexposure to the sun and heat of summer is much easier, and way less expensive, than needing a cure - or being in a position of not having one.
Enjoy the summer, but always remember to respect the power of the sun!