Although many of us actively look forward to the arrival of summer time, it can’t be denied that extreme heat presents a number of health and safety issues. For example, if you live in an area that’s known for swelteringly hot summers, you’re liable to find yourself at regular risk for exhaustion, dehydration, heatstroke, sunburn and various other ailments – particularly if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Fortunately, provided you’re willing to take the following precautions, you can dramatically reduce your risk of being afflicted by such problems.
Invest in Breathable Summer Clothing
While you may find it convenient to wear the same types of clothing all year long, doing so is likely to result in considerable discomfort. This is particularly true for individuals who reside in parts of the country where there’s a stark disconnect between seasonal temps. So, if you hail from an area with brutally hot summers, it’s in your best interest to temporarily ditch your bulky wintertime duds and invest in stylish, breathable summer attire.
When shopping around for the ideal summer wardrobe, it’s imperative that you take breathability into account. The more breathable your clothing is, the less sweating you’re likely to do. In your search for the perfect summer clothes, keep an eye out for such materials as cotton, denim, linen, silk, nylon and polyester. If comfy, stylish men’s shorts are what you’re after, show priority to the aforementioned materials.
Take Regular Breaks from the Sun
Giving yourself regular breaks from the sun can prove advantageous on a number of fronts. In addition to helping you avoid fatigue and dehydration, taking breaks can also reduce your risk for life-threatening afflictions like skin cancer. Breaks are particularly important during the sun’s peak hours of 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
So, whenever you feel yourself becoming exhausted, thirsty or uncomfortably warm, don’t hesitate to move to a heavily shaded area and remain there until such time as you’re fully revitalized. If you don’t anticipate having ready access to a sufficiently shaded area, consider investing in a good sun umbrella. Just keep in mind that while these umbrellas do provide a certain level of sun protection, they don’t stop diffuse UV radiation.
Protect Your Skin
Sunscreen and sunblock are essential tools for anyone who regularly spends time in the sun. So, whenever you plan to spend 15 minutes or more in the sun, make a point of applying a good sunscreen on sunblock and reapplying it as the manufacturer directs. For maximum effectiveness, take care to apply your preferred sunscreen or sunblock to every uncovered area of your body.
It’s a common misconception that the above-mentioned products are only needed throughout the summer months. Regardless of the season – or the temperature – anyone spending 15 minutes or more in the sun should apply one of the two. UV rays don’t magically stop posing a threat once the seasons change. So, if you’re serious about preventing sunburn, skin cancer, premature aging and other afflictions, make sure to find a sunscreen or sunblock that’s perfectly suited to your skin type. A little bit of effort on this front can go a long way towards lasting sun protection.
Make Sure You Always Have Access to Water
Ready access to water is essential, especially when spending long periods of time outdoors. Of course, even if you only intend to be outside for a short while, it’s generally a good idea to have water on hand during the summer months. If you’re not keen on bottled water, you can save money by investing in a high-quality filter and resilient water bottle.
Furthermore, if you don’t like the idea of lugging around a water bottle, consider purchasing a convenient water pack. As the name suggests, these products are essentially backpacks designed exclusively for water and are particularly popular amongst hikers, cyclists, runners and other athletes focused on the outdoors.
While many of us regard summer as our favorite season, it’s not without its faults. For instance, if you regularly engage in outdoor recreation throughout the summer months, you risk being afflicted by a host of heat-related ailments. Luckily, steering clear of such issues is much easier than you may think. A handful of common-sense precautions can go a long way towards helping you stay safe and comfortable all summer long.
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