Who would've thought there would be a whole month dedicated to UV Safety? Unfortunately too many of us stay out a little too long without recognizing that summer sun can be dangerous. For this reason, there are several things you can do to protect yourself from the dangers of UV rays, sunstroke and heat exhaustion.
AFC Urgent Care Danbury is here to guide you through UV Safety Awareness month with a guide on how to avoid heat exhaustion, sunstroke and tips on how to stay UV protected.
What are UV Rays?
UV rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation that come from the sun. They are invisible to the naked eye and can be harmful to your health if you are exposed to them for too long. UV rays can cause skin cancer, eye damage, and other serious health problems. That’s why it’s important to protect yourself from them.
There are three types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays make up most of the UV radiation that reaches the earth. They are less intense than UVB rays but can penetrate your skin more deeply. UVB rays are the main cause of sunburns and for most skin cancers. UVC rays are the most harmful type of UV rays but they don’t reach the earth because they’re blocked by the Earth’s ozone layer. Although they don’t reach us because of this reason, you can still be exposed to artificial sources such as UV lamps and tanning beds.
Too Much Exposure To UV Rays Can Lead Heat Exhaustion and Sunstroke
Steps to take if you or someone you know is experiencing what looks like heat exhaustion or Sunstroke
As we head into summer and the UV Safety Awareness Month of June, it's important to be aware of the dangers of heat exhaustion and sunstroke. These conditions can occur when you're exposed to high temperatures and direct sunlight, and can lead to serious health problems further down the road if not treated immediately.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, nausea, and weakness. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to move to a cooler area and rehydrate with fluids. If your condition worsens or you don't begin to feel better after a few minutes, seek medical attention.
Sunstroke, or heat stroke, is a more serious condition that can occur when your body temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Symptoms include hot, red skin that is dry or moist, fast pulse, headache, confusion, seizure, and unconsciousness. If you think someone may be experiencing sunstroke, call 911 immediately and try to cool them down by moving them to a shady area or spraying them with cool water.
Preventing heat exhaustion and sunstroke is the best way to stay safe in the summer heat. Drink plenty of fluids (Avoid alcohol) and stay in the shade as much as possible.
UV Ray And Heat Wave Protection
When it comes to UV safety, prevention is key. Here are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of UV rays and during the heat waves we’ll face this summer:
- Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days.
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating.
- Wear protective clothing, including a hat, sunglasses and long-sleeved shirt.
- Seek shade whenever possible, especially between the hours of 10am and 4pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Try going to a mall, library or coffee shop with A/C.
- Use extra caution near water and sand as they reflect the sun’s rays and can increase your risk of sunburn.
- Avoid using or overusing a tanning bed or booth.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids will help your body stay cooler in hot weather.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the summer sun safely!
Putting It All Together: UV Safety Awareness Month Wrap Up
As we head into UV Safety Awareness Month, it's important to think about how to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun. Here are some questions to ask yourself before heading outdoors:
- Do I need to be in the sun? If so, for how long?
- What time of day is it? The sun is strongest between 10 am and 4 pm.
- What kind of clothing should I wear? Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible is best.
- Should I use sunscreen? If so, how much and what SPF should I use?
- What other precautions can I take to protect myself from the sun? hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas can all help
AFC Urgent Care Danbury East on 76 Newtown Rd. will be here if you need us, 7 days a week! Walk-in or make an appointment online for any of your urgent care needs. We are currently seeing patients coming in for tick bites and removals, travel medicine and vaccinations, summer camp and summer sports physicals, COVID-19 testing and more!
