You can avoid ruining your summer if you take steps to stay safe in the sun this year. All it takes is some common sense and a little foresight. Here are some handy ideas to help you along.
Don’t Drink Alcohol
There are many dangers if you drink alcohol while relaxing in the sun. Dehydration is the main concern, as this can be deadly. It can also increase the chances of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. The effects can also be heightened. So, you don’t want to have to call a DWI attorney because you drove home after drinking at a BBQ. Therefore, it is best advised to stick to water and ice-cold fizzy drinks or mocktails. Tea and coffee will also make you pee more.
Keep Cool by Staying Wet
You cool down when moisture is absorbed from your skin when you sweat. Yet you can help it along by staying wet. You can soak a t-shirt in ice-cold water and wear it to stay comfortable in the baking heat. Or you can don your bathing suit and take regular dips in the pool if you are lucky enough to be at one. However, you should be careful with seawater as it can increase the chances of UV-B sunburn. Wrapping yourself with a wet towel after an ocean dip will help.
Stay Safe in the Sun with Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the best defenses you have against sun damage. Yet one study has found that 39% of men and 28% of women never use it. This is a risky game considering the rise of melanoma rates given the increased heat from climate change. Also, sunscreen is pretty cheap and easy to use. So there’s really no excuse. Plus, you can get it even cheaper in spring sales before stores take advantage of the summer rush as everyone heads off on their vacations.
Choose Your Sun Time
There are times when UV exposure and heat are more intense. The sun is at its strongest between 11 am and 4 pm. So unless you really need to, try to limit your exposure to before or after these times. In summer, it is still hot in the early morning and late afternoon. So you don’t need to sit outside and bake during the day. Additionally, you can use the middle of the day to get your chores done and then head outside for a nice rest as the heat comes down a little.
Keep Your Home Cool
Of course, taking breaks from the sun is the simplest way to stay safe. Staying in the shade is a good idea, so make use of any covered areas you have. But you can also pop inside for a while. Yet it doesn’t make sense if your home is just as hot as outside, and it should provide a respite from the heat. You can keep your home cool by creating a cross breeze, closing windows to keep cool air inside and closing blinds and curtains. HVAC and fans are also great ideas.
Summary
There are many ways to stay safe in the sun to enjoy your summer more. Stay away from alcohol in the sun, make sure you use sunscreen and try to keep your home cooler.
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