UV Safety Awareness month may seem like a buzzkill to your summer plans, but it’s actually for your own good. The truth is that UV rays are very harmful to the body and it does more than just give you a “tan”. When it comes down to it, protecting yourself from harmful UV rays is actually pretty easy - especially when you brush up your knowledge on what UV rays are and ways to prevent UV related conditions like heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Whether you're planning an epic beach getaway soon or just starting to spend more time outdoors this summer (we hope so!), make sure that you follow these simple steps before heading out into nature again this season. AFC Urgent Care Natick has you covered (not in sunblock…that’s your job!) with a guide on UV safety and prevention tips for sunstroke and heat exhaustion.
UV Rays Do More Damage Than You Think
With UV Awareness Month in full swing, it's important to know how dangerous UV rays can be. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and can be caused by exposure to sunlight or artificial sources of ultraviolet light from tanning beds or UV sun lamps. The other dangers include cataracts, eye problems and accelerated aging.
The sun's rays are strongest from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., so if you're planning to go out during that time frame it's best not to forget about your sunscreen! The best way for your skin to stay healthy is by wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day and reapplying after swimming or sweating excessively - plus, wearing sunglasses when outside for long periods will help protect you from harmful UV rays too!
UV Rays, Heat Waves And Heat Exhaustion!
Let’s not forget about heat exhaustion and heat stroke (also known as sunstroke). Plan ahead for the summer’s annual heat wave by staying hydrated, in the shade or inside with the a/c cranked up and wearing sunscreen because it’s going to be a scorcher!
An overexposure to UV rays, especially in extremely hot conditions may lead to heat exhaustion. Symptoms for heat exhaustion include:
- thirst
- heavy sweating (even though it's warm)
- pale skin color (not just looking pale, but paler than usual)
If left untreated, you may develop sunstroke, which is a more serious condition that can be fatal. Symptoms for sunstroke include a fever, dizziness and faintness.
Don’t Let The UV Rays Get The Best Of You This summer!
UV Safety starts with education and taking the right precautions like wearing an SPF sunscreen and staying hydrated. AFC Urgent Care wishes everyone a happy and “sun” safe summer! If you need us for urgent care, we are seeing walk-ins and taking appointments for travel vaccinations and medicine, tick bites and removals, COVID-19 testing and a whole lot more!
Here for you 7 days a week, from 8am-8pm and 8am-5pm on the weekends.
Walk-in or make an appointment online, today!
