Everyone loves the summer. The days are long and the sun provides warmth and joy for us all! That said there are also a few things to be aware of during the summer as far as your health is concerned. We want to make sure that you all have a safe and fun summer!
Hydration is an important aspect to being safe over the summer. We all know it gets very hot in Texas and that means that our bodies sweat to cool off. When they sweat, we lose moisture and water. Over time, our bodies need to replace that water in order to keep functioning – that’s where hydration comes in! If you are outside and sweating a lot, make sure you drink enough water to replenish what you have lost. There are lots of choices of beverages like juices, energy drinks, electrolyte replacement drinks (like Gatorade), but water is truly the best solution. Be sure to take it with you wherever you go! AND, if you ever find yourself thirsty, that could mean you are already dehydrated so drink often and drink early!
Sunscreen is vital to our safety. The sun can do a lot of damage to our skin. The sun emits ultraviolet “UV” rays that ultimately destroy the cells in our bodies. This can lead to skin damage that can be a cause of skin and other concerns. While we all enjoy a tan color on our skin, it’s a better idea long term to wear sunscreen such as a waterproof SPF 15 or more, to protect ourselves from long term damage. When using sunscreen remember to reapply often as well since it can wear or rub off over time.
Staying cool is important! If you are going to be exercising outside, having a picnic, or going to a concert outdoors, try to pick a time such as early morning or evening and to try to stay cool. The “heat” of the day (and when the sun is hottest) is typically 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and this time should be spent indoor to avoid being overheated. When you are outdoors, try to find an area with shade.
Bugs and bug bites can be so hard in the summer! We spend a lot of time outdoors and along with that come exposure to bugs including some of our favorites, mosquitos! Mosquitos can often be pesky in the evenings and near areas of water, so try to use a bug repellent on your skin or wear lightweight pants and a long sleeve top so those mosquitos do not have exposed skin to bite. If you do end up with a bite, try not to itch it and instead us a cortisone cream.
We want summer to be a fun time for you but also a safe time. If you have any questions about summer safety or how you can protect yourself from the summer elements, please call us today!
At Carlos and Parnell, M.D., P.A. our professional and caring staff makes the difference with patient care. – See more at: http://www.dev.carlosparnellmd.com/thermometers-and-babies/#sthash.MFvVROkI.dpuf
