Summer is the time for vacations and long relaxing days spent by the pool. While these hot and lazy days usually signal the start of outdoor fun, it can also be a dangerous time for your health. Sunburns, dehydration, and even trips to the emergency room are more common in the summer, but there are steps that you can take that will keep you safe and healthy during these warm months.
-
Don’t forget the sun screen
One of the most important steps you can take this summer is to wear sunscreen when you are outside. Most skin care experts recommend choosing one with a SPF of 30 or higher to ensure adequate protection. The UV rays from the sun may feel great, but the ultra violet rays can also damage your sensitive skin. Along with protecting you from painful sunburns that can ruin your summer, sunscreen will also help lower your risk of developing skin cancer. Protecting your skin from the sun has the added benefit of preventing premature wrinkles and age spots from developing.
-
Wear protective clothing
Wearing protective clothing will not only help prevent sunburns, it can also help prevent other common problems that can ruin a perfect summer day. Long pants can prevent potentially dangerous tick bites, while long sleeves can protect you from poison ivy and other skin irritants. One important tip to remember when you are dressing for the warm summer day is to keep the fabrics loose and airy. While you want to protect yourself and your skin from dull complexion, you also want to avoid overheating. Loose, thin fabrics that are breathable will keep you cool and safe when you are outside this summer.
-
Cool off in the shade
The hot summer sun is dangerous not only for your skin, but also to your general health. It is easy to forget how important it is to stay cool during the heat of the day, especially if you are already playing in the water. At periodic intervals during the day it is important to take a break from your activities, and spend a few minutes relaxing in the shade. Overheating and heat exhaustion are common health problems during the summer, and can also be dangerous. Heat stroke and dehydration can all be life threatening, and easily avoided simply by taking a few minutes to relax under a tree or patio covering.
-
Use extra caution near sand and water
While the summer is the time for long days by the pool or at the beach, this also presents several risks. Not only is it easy to forget to constantly reapply sunscreen and take frequent breaks in the shade, the water is also potentially dangerous for swimmers and sunbathers of all ages. Adults falling asleep in the warm summer sun often wake up to painful sunburns, while unattended children can get into trouble in the water. The number of drowning dramatically increases during the summer, along with the number of emergency room visits. Some simple rules to follow for water safety during the summer include,
* Never leaving children unattended by the water.
* Always use a flotation device when you are at the beach or pool with younger children.
* Use the “buddy system” when you are swimming in deep or unfamiliar waters.
* Always let someone know where you are going to be at all times.
-
Skip the tan
One of the hardest things for women and some men to do during the summer is to skip their annual tan. The deep golden glow that has come to represents summer fun, is also dangerous to your health. While the bronze color might look great for a couple of weeks it is also causing your skin to age prematurely, and putting you at an increased risk for developing skin cancer. Instead of spending hours outside in the hot summer sun working on your tan, and damaging your skin, you can safely achieve that same healthy glow with a moisturizing lotion. There are some lotions that will safely darken your skin giving you the same golden glow in minutes that normally takes hours to develop under the hot summer sun.
Summary
Summer is a time to relax and enjoy yourself, along with spending time with your family. While you want to have fun, it is also important to remember to take care of your health. Long hours spend in the sun can cause skin damage, along with other potential health problems that can send you to the emergency room ruining your relaxing summer vacation. By following these simple steps you can protect your health, and have the best summer of your life.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_protection
https://www.glozine.com/lifestyle/10-best-face-washes-for-clear-and-clean-summer-skin.html
https://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/beauty-skin-care/
