You can have fun in the sun and still be safe too!
Posted on August 17, 2015
The summer offers so many exciting outdoor things to do, such as taking a trip to the beach, going for a bike ride, or relaxing by the pool – the options are truly endless! With all the fun things to do, it is easy to forget that you still need to think about sun safety.
Too much contact with ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause sunburns or even change skin texture which makes the skin age early. Too much sun also increases the risk of skin cancer. It has even been related to eye problems such as cataracts. Indoor tanning causes the same problems.
The hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. are the most dangerous for UV contact outdoors in the United States.
With that in mind, here are a few helpful tips that will help keep you safe while enjoying the pleasant weather:
• Limit contact to direct sun in the intense heat. Spend some time under a shady tree or beach umbrella.
• The use of sunscreen is important, and the higher the SPF value, the greater the sunburn protection. Sunscreen products that say Broad Spectrum SPF 30 or higher are recommended.
• Keep yourself well hydrated. Water is always the best choice. If it’s not available, a low salt, low calorie, low sugar choice is fine. Remember to avoid/limit alcoholic and caffeinated beverages such as soda, coffee or tea.
• Steer clear of smoking areas and secondhand smoke. Contact to extreme heat can make you sensitive to secondhand smoke. It can cause burning or redness of eyes or a scratchy dry feeling in your throat and nausea.
Watch for the heat stroke problem signs, mostly in babies, young children and the elderly.
Things to look for:
1. Being overly tired
2. Redness of skin
3. Headache
4. Dry mouth
5. Stomach ache
Dress for the weather wear light weight, light colored cotton clothing and the right shoes for the activity you are doing. Wear a light cap or visor and a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. Remember, safety from the sun is important all year round, not just during the summer months. UV rays from the sun can reach you on cloudy and foggy days, as well as bright and sunny days. UV rays also reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow.
Follow these tips and have a safe, healthy and happy summer!
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