UV Safety Awareness month is a great time to remind ourselves of the rules for preventing skin cancer, sunburns, heat stroke and sunstroke. But at the same time, it's also a time when many of us are taking our first trips to the beach, going camping or hiking for the first time in months, and otherwise starting to spend more time outside. The truth is that it's always a good idea to brush up on your UV safety knowledge. Because protecting yourself from harmful UV rays really isn't as complicated as some people make it out to be - especially when you have the perfect guide on UV protection and sun safety by AFC Urgent Care Marlborough
UV Rays And Health Concerns
UV rays, which are considered to be the most dangerous type of radiation and can cause skin cancer, cataracts and other eye problems. They are divided into three categories: UVA, UVB, and UVC. The first two are the ones that can cause serious burns and skin cancer, while the third has a shorter wavelength that cannot penetrate through Earth’s atmosphere.
The more exposed to UV rays you are throughout life—particularly in childhood—the higher your risk for developing skin cancer later in life. There's no way around this fact: UV rays can cause your cells' DNA to mutate into mutated cells that could lead them towards becoming cancerous if they aren't stopped by good habits like wearing sunscreen and avoiding overexposure while outdoors or indoors near windows with direct sunlight coming through them.
This is why UV Safety month was created to protect against these health concerns. But, let’s not forget about overexposure to UV rays and heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Is It Hot In Here? Or Am I Having A Heat Stroke?!
Heat exhaustion is a common problem for those who work outside in the summer. People who get overheated may experience: * cool, clammy skin that may feel moist to the touch; * muscle cramps; and/or * paleness.
But is heat exhaustion the same thing as having a heat stroke (or sunstroke; same thing)? Heat exhaustion is actually a precursor for heat stroke, also known as sunstroke. They’re both entirely different conditions. But, sunstroke is a more serious condition that can even be fatal if you don’t seek medical attention, right away! Symptoms are similar to heat exhaustion, but you won’t be sweating. You may experience a fever, dizziness and even faint.
The best way to prevent a heat stroke or heat exhaustion is to stay hydrated throughout the day, and especially during a heat wave. You should also apply sunscreen to protect yourself from the UV rays and to stay in the shade or places with air conditioning, such as a mall, coffee shop or a library.
AFC Urgent Care Marlborough Hopes You Avoid Heat Exhaustion, Sunburns And Sunstrokes This Summer!
We hope these tips are helpful for you in protecting yourself this summer and all year round. If you follow these guidelines, maybe that’s one less thing you’ll have to worry about during your next trip to the beach or Fourth of July barbeque! AFC Urgent Care Marlborough will be here for you in case you need us for COVID-19 testing, tick bites and removals, travel vaccinations and medicine and a whole lot more!
Walk-in any day of the week. Our doors are open 7 days a week from 8am-8pm and 8am-5pm on the weekends.
