The season for picnics and barbecues is in full swing! Getting a bit of sunshine is healthy, but too much of a good thing can have the opposite effect. To keep yourself and your family safe this summer, follow these guidelines to prevent sun damage.
Stay Hydrated
One easily forgotten side effect of too much sun and heat is heat stroke. Heat stroke is when your body stays too hot for too long, and looses its ability to regulate its own temperature. Drinking plenty of fluids ensures that your body can keep sweating and properly regulating its own temperature. Avoid drinks with abundances of sugars or caffeine. For pure hydration, water is best.
Use Sunscreen
Sunscreen has many benefits, and should be used any time you expect to spend more than half an hour in the sun. For best results, apply the lotion (or spray) thirty minutes before you go outside. The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) number on the side will tell you how well the lotion protects you from the sun’s harmful UV rays. When possible, use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.. If you are sweating profusely, or in a moist climate, reapply lotion as necessary. Also avoid using expired sunscreens because the compounds meant to protect your skin have broken down, meaning expired sunscreens actually provide very little protection against the sun.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Too many layers will make you hot and increase the risk of heat stroke. Exposing too much skin, however, increases risk of sunburns. For the ideal balance, wear cool, light clothing that allows your skin to breathe and better regulate its own temperature. If you are out in the heat of day, grab a wide brimmed hat to keep you cool and protect you from burns. Sunglasses can also protect your eyes from too much direct sunlight.
Now that you know how to avoid the stress that can come with summer, it’s time to get out there and have fun!