Tag Archives: protect your skin

Summer Safety Tips: Enjoying the Season Safely and Healthy

As we dive into the summer season, it’s important to stay safe while enjoying the warm weather and outdoor activities. Check out our essential summer safety tips to help you have a fun and healthy season.

1. Stay Hydrated:

With the temperatures rising, it’s crucial to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, especially when engaging in outdoor activities. Dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke, so be sure to carry a water bottle with you wherever you go.

2. Protect Your Skin:

The sun’s UV rays can cause damage to your skin, leading to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. To effectively protect your skin, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin at least 15-30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming. Don’t forget commonly missed areas like your ears, neck, hands, and feet. Remember, sun protection is not just for a day at the beach – make it a daily habit to keep your skin healthy all summer long.

3. Practice Water Safety:

Whether you’re heading to the pool, beach, or lake, always prioritize water safety. Supervise children closely around water, wear appropriate flotation devices if needed, and swim in designated areas with lifeguards present.

4. Be Aware of Bug Bites:

In rural areas, insect bites are common during the summer months. Protect yourself by wearing insect repellent, long sleeves, and pants when spending time outdoors. Check for ticks after being outside and remove them promptly to reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases.

5. Stay Active Safely:

Engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or gardening is a great way to stay active during the summer. To prevent injuries, warm up before exercising, wear appropriate footwear, and pace yourself to avoid overexertion in the heat.

By following these summer safety tips, you can enjoy a season filled with fun, outdoor adventures, and good health. Stay safe and take care of yourself this summer!

General NewsPhysical Health

How to Protect Your Skin During Sunny Summer Months

Each year two million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer—the most common form of cancer. This summer we may find ourselves outside more often in order to safely socially distance, breathe fresh air, and exercise daily. It’s important to remember that even though it may be cloudy or shady, protecting your skin remains a priority. Here are some tips to keep in mind while enjoying the outdoors:

 

Apply SPF: UV rays can damage or burn your skin any time of the year, not just in the sunny summer months. Even when it’s cloudy or cooler outside, apply an SPF 30 or facial moisturizer with SPF before heading out. Reapply every two hours and be sure to cover all exposed areas, including your face, hands, ears and neck.

 

Use lip balm: Your lips can be sensitive to drying out and cracking going from hot humid air to frigid air conditioning. If you already use lip balm, try swapping it out for a brand with SPF in it.

 

Wear sunglasses: Whether it’s cloudy or sunny, UV rays can reflect off bright surfaces and cause damage. Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that block 99% of UV rays whenever you’re driving, biking, or gardening in the backyard.

 

Know your environment: In higher altitudes, you’re at a higher risk for skin damage from the sun. This is because the atmosphere is thinner as you travel higher above sea level. If you’re planning to go hiking, rock climbing, or any other activity in the mountains, be extra vigilant about wearing SPF, protecting your skin from the elements and wearing appropriate eye protection.

 

 

Sources: mdanderson.org, skincancer.org

 

 

AwarenessPhysical Health