In 1996, the National Safety Council declared June to be the month of summer safety. The purpose was to raise awareness about the health risks associated with the summer months. Because the temperature is at its highest in June, we must take extra precautions to avoid heat-related illness.
Simple Practices to Stay Safe in Summers
Although it may appear that you are simply getting a tan, UV rays can cause far more severe and long-term damage. Spending more time in the sun exposes your skin to harmful UV rays, which not only cause sunburn but can also increase your risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is critical to protect yourself from overexposure to the sun.
Before the scorching sun begins to torment you, here are a few tips you should keep in mind to stay safe during the upcoming hot summer months.
Stay indoors to protect your skin.
This is the mantra to live by when summer shows up. Limit your time in the sun, particularly between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., as this is when the heat is at its crest and can cause some serious damage to your skin and health.
Make wise clothing choices.
When you do go out, consider wearing clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants. Wear loose-fitting, more comfortable clothing. You should also avoid wearing darker colors because, while they offer the best UV protection, they can make you feel uncomfortably hot. Instead, go for medium-dark colors for the most comfort and best protection.
Do not forget the sunscreen.
Sunscreen is arguably the most underappreciated component of people’s skincare regimens today. However, if you do not use sunscreen, you are only inviting the UV rays to come and get you. Protect your skin; use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher. Apply it liberally to exposed body parts about thirty minutes before going out and reapply every 2 to 3 hours if swimming or perspiring.
Wear a broad brim hat.
Wear a 3-inch broad-brimmed hat whenever you go outside for the best protection against the sun. This type of hat covers your entire head, providing you with more shade and protecting you from heat exhaustion and heatstroke. You should avoid baseball caps because they leave the back of your neck and ears unprotected.
Get yourself some UV glasses.
Not all dark-tinted sunglasses protect against UV radiation, so choose carefully. Only purchase the ones that provide UV-A and UV-B protection to block at least 99% of ultraviolet rays. If you spend a lot of time outside, you should consider wearing wraparound UV glasses to reduce the amount of UV radiation entering your eyes from the periphery.
Stay hydrated.
When it comes to the hot summer months, dehydration is probably the most common concern. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your energy levels from dwindling. As your body loses a significant amount of water while perspiring, you must compensate for the loss by drinking plenty of liquids.
Prepare your arsenal of weapons—sunscreens, loose-fitting clothes, hats, sunglasses, and water bottles—and get ready to face the toasty days of summer – and while you’re at it, spend a lot of time in your pool to keep cool!
