Sun Safety and Cool Ways to Beat the Heat
Jun 29th, 2021
Summer is officially here, unfortunately so is the hot humid weather. Stay safe and cool this summer with our helpful advice.
The only safe time to be out in the sun without protection is when the UV index is 3 or lower. Even if the temperature outside is cool, you can still get a burn.
Apply sunscreen liberally at least 15 minutes before going outdoors. Don’t forget to apply it to your face, ears, hands, and feet. Soothe a burn with cool, water only, shower and apply moisturizer to the area. Vinegar can also soothe a sunburn.
Drink plenty of water because heat causes us to lose fluids twice as quickly. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, drinking something cold will help avoid heat related illnesses. Any cool liquid will help but remember alcohol causes dehydration.
Keep babies out of the sun; it only takes 15 minutes for a sunburn to develop. Babies and kids have sensitive skin making sunburns more dangerous. Babies are especially at risk due to their thinner outer layer of skin.
UV exposure can damage your eyes. Sunglasses will protect your eyes and your eyelids. Choose sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB light. Even on a cloudy day, the sun’s rays can pass through and cause damage. Wearing a hat can block half of the UV rays, but using sunscreen that’s safe for your face and eyes is recommended.
When you’re feeling the heat, we’ve got a few ideas to help keep you cool:
- Close blinds and curtains during the day. By keeping the hot sun out, you’ll reduce the heat in your home.
- No A/C? Open your windows at night to get cool air inside but close them in the morning.
- Avoid running your dishwasher, cooking with the oven, or doing laundry during the day as these appliances generate heat.
- All bulbs or fixtures generate heat, so only use lights when necessary.
- Exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens will suck hot air out of your space to help keep you cool and comfortable.
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