A few weeks ago I did a blog about fun places to visit in the DFW area to enjoy the spring/summer. I hope that you have explored some of these areas! To go along with that post, I wanted to share some information about how to have a fun and SAFE summer!
Hydration is key to being safe over the summer. We all know it gets very hot here in Texas and that means that our bodies sweat to cool off. When they sweat, we lose moisture and water and 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, sodas and even cocktails (for those adult readers) at parties but water is always your best friend. Be sure to take it with you wherever you go!
Sunscreen is vital to our safety. The sun, although the glorious provider of energy and heat that we love, 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 and can be a cause of skin and other cancers. While we all enjoy a “tan” 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.
Staying cool is important this summer! If you are going to be exercising outside, having a picnic, going to a concert or doing anything for a long period of time outdoors, try to pick a time such as early morning or evening, 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. If you must be outdoors, try to be in the shade and try to stay hydrated (see above).
Resisting those bugs can be so hard in the summer! We spend a lot of time outdoors and along with that comes exposure to bugs including some of our favorites, mosquitos and bees! 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. For bees, if you get a sting, use ice, some cortisone comes, and keep a close look on any type of reaction. If it swells or your throat feels itchy or tight please call us immediately.
Summer is meant to be a fun time of being outdoors, going to the swimming pool, going to parks, eating watermelon, and just having a good time! 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
