Published on May 25, 2018
8 Tips for Summer Safety
School is out and summer is in session! As everyone starts spending more time outdoors, remember the dangers that can accompany the sunshine and higher temperatures. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Always, always, always wear sunscreen. This may seem like common sense, but we forget it all too often. Wear a minimum of 30 SPF, and reapply at least every two hours.
- Drink plenty of fluids when you’re out in hot, sunny weather. Keep drinking while you are outside – even when you don’t feel thirsty.
- Wear light-colored, loose clothing that reflects the sun’s rays and allows your skin to breathe.
- Use wide-brimmed hats, umbrellas or tree shade to minimize direct sunlight.
- Exercise in the early morning or evening hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day.
- Go inside if you begin to feel overheated.
- Switch up your outdoor activities when the temps rise. Try cooler activities like swimming, or at least take the intensity down a couple notches.
- If you are sunburned, try a cool bath, calamine lotion or aloe vera, and some ibuprofen for relief. If your burn causes fever and chills, seek medical attention right away.
Ask your primary care provider if you have any questions about sun safety or your skin. If you do not have a primary care doctor, fill out the form on this page and MercyCare can help!