Surviving the Summer Sun
Summer is coming, and it’s time to break out the sunscreen. The sun can damage your skin in as little as fifteen minutes, so it is important to take measures to protect yourself and others.
- Check the UV index to gauge what steps are necessary to avoid damage from the sun. This can be done by checking the UV Index for your area online. The Weather Network has an easily accessed UV index on their website. It can be found here.
- When the UV index Is 3 or higher, make sure that you are covering up with hats, light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts, and pants.
- Use sunscreen when the UV index is 3 or higher. Having water resistant sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 is a good idea, too. Keep in mind that sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than two hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
- To protect your eyes, make sure any sunglasses you buy provide protection against UVA and UVB rays.
- Hydrate! If you feel thirsty, that means you are dehydrated. Drinking water regularly will help keep you well and will help you avoid heat illness like heat stroke.
Did you know?Most sunscreen products work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering sunlight. They contain chemicals that interact with the skin to protect it from UV rays. All products do not have the same ingredients; if your skin reacts badly to one product, try another one or call a doctor.
Sunburns aren’t the only risk during the summer heat. Watch out for heat illnesses . Possible symptoms of heat illness include:
- dizziness or fainting
- nausea or vomiting
- headache
- rapid breathing and heartbeat
- extreme thirst (dry mouth or sticky saliva)
- decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine
- changes of behaviour in children (like sleepiness or temper tantrums)