Summertime calls for serious sun safety, but this isn’t the only time of year your skin can be overexposed to dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It’s important to recognize that the sun isn’t only responsible for warming your skin, but can do damage to health and well-being too. To protect yourself and your family, follow these sun safety tips for preventive care and learn the facts when it comes to protecting the biggest organ of your body and everything that’s underneath.
1. Limit Sun Exposure
It’s easy to tell yourself you’ll stay out of the sun, but basking in warm rays is difficult to ignore sometimes. The less UV exposure, the smaller chance of sunburn, skin damage, eye damage, and premature aging. For any outdoor activities, stay out of direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.
2. Wear Protective Clothing
Pay attention to the UV Index and if you will be outside, be extra careful about protecting your skin if the index is 3 or higher. This means sunscreen but also tightly woven fabrics with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), from broad-brimmed hats to swimsuits, pants to skirts. Ears, neck, face, and scalp are easily overlooked with it comes to sun safety – prioritize them – and wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVB and UVA rays.
3. Use Sunscreen Correctly
There are best practices when it comes to using sunscreen. Generally, the higher the SPF the better, but it must be broad-spectrum and SPF 15 or higher. Apply sunscreen liberally to cover the body wherever skin is exposed. Reapplication is critical too – do so every two hours, more often if you are swimming, sweating, or drying off with a towel. Don’t forget sun protection for your lips, shoulders, and tops of feet.
4. Know the Signs of Heat Illness
It’s easy to get overexerted in the summer, especially if you’re outside during the hottest hours of the day and aren’t hydrated. If you experience high body temperature, weakness, headache, muscle cramps, or extreme fatigue, you could be suffering from a heat illness. It’s not normal – it’s an emergency. Listen to your body and seek shade, air conditioning, and water.
5. Visit Your Doctor for Regular Checkups
It’s important for everyone to check their skin regularly to look for new or changing moles, but it’s also paramount that you see your doctor annually so they can get a good look at you too. They can notice changes immediately and with closer inspection, recommending routine screenings and help you maintain sun safety all year long.
6. Rely on Dr. Jon Swetech for Sun Safety Support
There are times to look fashionable, and there are times to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays so you can continue to lead a healthy, productive, disease-free life. Following the simple tips above can save you from serious ailments and treatment, especially if not caught early.
Schedule a visit with me, Dr. Jon Swetech, to get further clarity on keep yourself and your family safe under the sun at any time of year, especially if you also suffer from a chronic condition that impacts your overall wellness.
Nothing in this blog is official medical advice. See your doctor for customized care.
