Summer Sun: 4 Tips to Protect Yourself from Damage
By Virginia Laird
With summer knocking on the door many people are already planning how to spend their time outdoors. While scheduling these activities, it is important to plan how to protect yourself (and your family) from the damage that sun can do to the skin. Don’t get me wrong, a little sun can do wonders for the body, as it is a great source of Vitamin D. But too much sun exposure can offer harmful damage and lead to more serious problems later in life, including skin cancer. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while enjoying the summer sun.
- Invest in a sunhat
- Use sunscreen
- Plan indoor activities during the heat of the day
- Drink lots of water
Invest in a Sunhat
As a baseball cap lover, I find it difficult to find sunhats I love. However, in the summer it is imperative to wear a large brimmed hat while out in the sun. These hats offer protection for the face and neck in both the front of the body as well as the back. Fortunately there is a wide variety from which to choose, making it easier to find one that fits both the budget and the style desired.
Use Sunscreen
Sunscreen should be a person’s best friend in the summer. It should become ritual to apply it before heading out the door in the morning as well as re-applying it in the afternoon. If you are not one who burns, it is still important to protect your skin from sun damage.
Plan Indoor Activities During the Heat of the Day
Be mindful of the heat index and temperature highs while planning outdoor activities for the family. Where possible, plan indoor activities during the heat of the day. For our family, this typically means getting up earlier in the summer, enjoying the beautiful southern morning (that is still 95 degrees) then hitting a movie theater, napping, or going to the Science Museum during the hours of noon to 4 o’clock.
Drink Lots of Water
Not only is it vital to protect your body from the sun, it is equally important to replenish the fluids you sweat out. Keep a water bottle handy to help remind you to drink. If you are not a water drinker, reach for a sports drink. The more you are outside in the heat, the more fluids you need to drink.
Enjoy your outdoor adventures!
To learn more about your health and wellness, visit your local The Joint Chiropractic.