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Saturday
March 20, 2010 Since 1922 |
The heat is on ... so play it safe
From staff reports
Baytown Sun Published June 24, 2009 Summer is the season for cookouts, vacations and lazy days on the beach. However, along with those pleasant recreations come significant risks, none more prevalent than that of sun damage. As exemplified in our recent weather, when temperatures rise such risks become even more severe.
Protecting yourself from too much sun exposure involves more than just a dab of sunscreen. The U.S. National Safety Council offers several suggestions to stay safe in the summer heat. Wear sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays. Apply it properly, thoroughly and regularly, even on cloudy days. Also, when out and about protect your skin with a hat, long sleeved shirts and long pants, and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Though the beach can be a good time, especially for the kids, limit their exposure to very reflective surfaces, such as sand and water. These surfaces can increase the risk of a burn or significant skin damage.
Don’t use a tanning bed, either at home or at a salon. Doing so can increase the possibility of sunburn. In the same vein, be careful of the hours you spend in the sun. Limit exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest. A simple tip to follow: if your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun's rays are very intense. At that point, seek shade or get indoors.
The four most common heat-related emergencies are cramps, fainting, exhaustion and heat strokes. These illnesses occur when the body can no longer cool itself properly. An ounce of prevention can keep you cool in extreme heat.
Drink plenty of water before any activity. For strenuous exercise, drink water or a salt replacement fluid about every 15 minutes. Also, schedule strenuous outdoor activity for the cooler parts of the day. Normally, this is before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. If you are on any medications, consult with your doctor before undertaking any strenuous activity in the heat. Some drugs can cause dehydration. You can also eat light foods, as well as plenty of fruits and vegetables, because they contain water.
Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes. Natural fibers like cotton help the body release heat better. Take cool or tepid baths and showers to cool down. And avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can interfere with sweating and fluid loss.
Simply paying attention to these small changes in your habits can mean a big difference between enjoying your summer and spending a few days in misery with an itchy, painful reminder of your indiscretion.
Baytown Sun Published June 24, 2009 Summer is the season for cookouts, vacations and lazy days on the beach. However, along with those pleasant recreations come significant risks, none more prevalent than that of sun damage. As exemplified in our recent weather, when temperatures rise such risks become even more severe.
Protecting yourself from too much sun exposure involves more than just a dab of sunscreen. The U.S. National Safety Council offers several suggestions to stay safe in the summer heat. Wear sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays. Apply it properly, thoroughly and regularly, even on cloudy days. Also, when out and about protect your skin with a hat, long sleeved shirts and long pants, and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Though the beach can be a good time, especially for the kids, limit their exposure to very reflective surfaces, such as sand and water. These surfaces can increase the risk of a burn or significant skin damage.
Don’t use a tanning bed, either at home or at a salon. Doing so can increase the possibility of sunburn. In the same vein, be careful of the hours you spend in the sun. Limit exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest. A simple tip to follow: if your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun's rays are very intense. At that point, seek shade or get indoors.
The four most common heat-related emergencies are cramps, fainting, exhaustion and heat strokes. These illnesses occur when the body can no longer cool itself properly. An ounce of prevention can keep you cool in extreme heat.
Drink plenty of water before any activity. For strenuous exercise, drink water or a salt replacement fluid about every 15 minutes. Also, schedule strenuous outdoor activity for the cooler parts of the day. Normally, this is before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. If you are on any medications, consult with your doctor before undertaking any strenuous activity in the heat. Some drugs can cause dehydration. You can also eat light foods, as well as plenty of fruits and vegetables, because they contain water.
Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes. Natural fibers like cotton help the body release heat better. Take cool or tepid baths and showers to cool down. And avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can interfere with sweating and fluid loss.
Simply paying attention to these small changes in your habits can mean a big difference between enjoying your summer and spending a few days in misery with an itchy, painful reminder of your indiscretion.