The summer heat is in full swing! Are you protected from the rays?
Why can the heat be damaging?
The sun emits UV rays which can be harmful to humans. UV rays are the #1 cause of skin cancer. Additionally, too much unprotected sun exposure can lead to dehydration or skin aging. Thus, skin protection from the sun is vital.
How to stay safe from the sun:
- Cover up: Wear protective clothing or sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30 (more is even better)! According to the American Cancer Society, sunscreens with higher SPF numbers do lend more sun protection, but this difference becomes less significant as the SPF gets higher. Any sunscreen with an SPF less than 15 can protect you against sunburn, but not against skin cancer or skin aging.
- Seek shade when possible: Limit your exposure to sun. UV rays are most intense from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Hydrate: This is extremely important. You do not want to get dehydrated on a hot day. It can lead to dizziness, faintness, extreme thirst, confusion, or more complicated, long-lasting problems. An easy way to prevent this is to drink water frequently. Additionally, if your body is low in sodium due to excessive sweating, you will want to replenish that salt deficiency. Some ways to replenish include fast salt fixes such as olives, pickles, or sports drinks.
We hope these tips help you stay cool during the summer heat!
Sources: