With summer quickly approaching, it’s time that we start getting outdoors and enjoying the sun. However, with all of the fun that there is to be had in the sun, there comes an equal risk of danger. Things like sun burns, heat strokes, and dehydration can make your day in the sun turn into a terrible time. Below, we at Idaho Medical Academy, have outlined some top tips for staying safe in the heat this summer. Check it out!
Skin Safety
One of the most important things you can do for yourself while being out in the sun is to protect your skin. If the U.V. index is high for the day, it is extremely easy to get burned and it can happen faster than you would think. To avoid a sunburn, you have to protect your skin in one of three ways; stay in the shade, wear sunscreen, or wear U.V. protective clothing. When putting on sunscreen, an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended. You should also reapply every couple of hours while you are in the sun. Sun protective clothing should be used for something like a hike or on the water. It can offer you just as much protection from the sun as sunscreen can and is rated on a scale that is similar to SPF with sunscreen.
Considering the type of skin you have is equally as important. You should pay attention to any moles or sunspots. If you get too many sunburns over time it can develop into skin cancer. If you have a mole that continues to grow or has uneven edges, you should consider seeing a doctor or dermatologist. The same can be said for any birthmarks or sun spots that continue to change in size, shape, or color.
Dehydration
Like sunburns, dehydration can sneak up on you out of nowhere. It’s important to stay hydrated, especially in the summer heat when you’re running around and working up a sweat. As a base guideline for how much water you should drink, take your body weight (lbs.) and divide it by two. The number that you get is that amount of ounces of water that you should drink everyday. For example, if you weigh 160lbs, do 160÷2= 80, so you would need to drink 80oz of water each day to stay hydrated even without playing outside in the sun. Make sure to keep up on your water intake throughout the day, as it’s a lot harder to get rehydrated than it is to just stay hydrated.
Get Out of the Sun
Although it may not be what you want to hear, sometimes avoiding the sun can be your best bet for staying healthy. During the hours between 10 A.M.- 4 P.M. is when the suns U.V. rays are the most harsh. This means the sun will be more intense, potentially causing bigger issues for your skin and making you dehydrated quicker. If you’re looking to enjoy the sun, try to go for an early morning hike or sit outside after 4 P.M. If you do go into the sun during the most intense hours, just make sure to take the proper precautions to keep yourself healthy.
At Idaho Medical Academy, we realize you can’t prevent every injury, but you can be prepared for them. We instruct courses for Wilderness First Aid, EMT’s, basic medical training, CPR, and much more. Be sure to contact us with any questions you might have on our medical courses, we are always more than happy to answer your questions. Check out Idaho Medical Academy today!
