Survive Summer With These Tips
By Kate Gardner
It's summer! I don't know about you, but after this winter I am ready to get outside in the sunshine and soak up the warmth. Of course, I want to be safe when I'm out there having a good time so I've compiled this list of safety precautions to keep summer safe and fun.
Sun Protection
Sun protection is the number one safety concern when it comes to enjoying the summer. Protecting your skin reduces sunburns and other damage as well as your risk of developing skin cancer. There are a few different ways you can shield your skin.
Sunscreens - Cover up with sunscreen! The American Academy of Dermatology's guidelines say you should use about 1 ounce of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply it throughout the day. While spray sunscreens are a popular option (especially for kids), they caution that it is harder to ensure you're using enough to adequately protect your skin.
Hats and clothes - Sunscreen isn't your only option. Hats and clothing can keep you covered. SkinCancer.org spells out the rules for which clothing works best. Clothes that are tightly woven block more sun, as do dark colors. They note that a long-sleeved denim shirt blocks practically all sun. Many summer clothing lines include high-tech fabrics made for blocking as much sun as possible. Hats should keep your face and neck in the shade.
Pests
There's not much I hate more than ticks. They make my skin crawl. Mosquitoes don't have the same creep factor, but I certainly don't like being covered in itchy bites. Summer's outdoor pests aren't just annoying, they have the potential to transmit illnesses like lyme disease and West Nile virus. Protect yourself with these tips from Healthfinder.gov.
Prevent - First, prevent bites. Wear long sleeves and long pants when you can. Use a bug spray. EPA.gov has a great webpage that helps you find an approved bug spray that meets your needs. Check for ticks after you've been outside.
Treat - There's not much to do for mosquito bites once they've occurred, but tick bites need special treatment. If you find an attached tick, use tweezers to firmly grab it behind the head, as close to your skin as possible. Pull it straight out then wash the area. Flush the tick or submerge it in rubbing alcohol. After removing the tick, watch for signs of illness, including fever and a bulls-eye rash where the tick was removed.
Whether hiking through the woods or barbecuing in the backyard, these precautions will help keep your summer on track!
For more information about your health, wellness, and fitness, visit your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lincoln, Neb.