With the end of school just around the corner, that means many days will be spent outside at camps or at the pool! It’s important that we’re all up-to-date on sunscreen and bug repellent protocol if we want to keep healthy all summer long. The oppressive Texas heat will soon be beating down, so it’s important to be able to recognize those signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, too. Consider this your annual summer primer. Our hope is that you end up having a healthy and happy summer!
Sunscreen
If you’ll be spending significant amounts of time in the sun, it’s important to take the following precautionary steps to prevent sun damage:
- Cover up (the best the heat allows)
- Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen and re-apply regularly
- Seek shade when you can
While health professionals suggest wearing sunscreen every day of the year, it’s most important when the sun is stronger during the summer. Picking a sunscreen, however, can be confusing! First, choose a sunscreen with “broad-spectrum” protection. This protection protections against both UVA and UVB rays, in case you weren’t sure what it meant! While UVB rays are most likely to cause a sunburn, UVA rays have been known to cause premature aging and skin cancer. To receive the most protection to need to block both types of harmful rays.
In addition to broad spectrum, choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. The number indicates the level of protection against UVB rays. An SPF of 30 filters approximately 97% of rays. No sunscreen can prevent 100% of those rays; however, it’s important to protect against as much as possible.
Finally, remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours. Even if it’s marketed as waterproof or sweat proof, the sunscreen will easily wear off. Prevention is the best tool against sun damage to your skin!
Bug spray
Repelling bugs is not just to keep away those annoying, itchy bites, it’s also to prevent illnesses transmitted by bugs like West Nile or Lyme disease.
First, always out put on your sunscreen first and let it completely dry before spraying yourself with bug spray. Then spray evenly over the surface of your skin in a well-ventilated area. Don’t forget places like your ankles or knees that are vulnerable areas for ticks to attach to. When choosing a bug spray, pick a product that contains 20-30% DEET. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that you use a product with no more than 30% DEET for children. In addition to applying bug spray, it’s important to take other precautions as well. If you’re going to be outside in wooded areas or areas with tall grass, it’s advised that you wear long pants and long sleeves to prevent bites. Some clothing actually contains fibers that hold in bug spray through multiple washes. This can provide long-term coverage!
Overheating
In a state like ours where temperatures commonly reach the triple digits and then linger for what seems like months on end, we’re used to seeking shade and staying indoors. However, if you’re out at the beach or taking in a baseball game, are you able to identify the symptoms of heat exhaustion?
Overheating is dangerous…first because it leads to excessive sweating, which can cause dehydration. When your body is already under duress from the heat, the lack of water in your systems places addition burdens on your heart, lungs and brain first. This stress is what causes early symptoms of heat exhaustion such as dizziness, a racing heart or sea around the neck. Nerves in the body could misfire or not work at all, causing momentary paralysis.
Heat rashes and muscle cramps are two other side effects of heat exhaustion. To prevent both of these, it’s important to remain hydrated while outside and wear loose-fitting clothing to stay cool. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it’s important to move immediately into a shaded area and lay down with your feet elevated. Drink cool water and seek medical attention if your symptoms don’t subside.
Don’t let this summer be ruined by sunburns, bug bites, and heat exhaustion! Follow these tips to ensure fun in the sun!
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