UV Safety Awareness Month is a great reminder to be safe and to protect our skin, but it's also important for us to know the potential dangers of UV rays. The most common potentially dangerous situation is heat exhaustion, which affects both people and pets. Heat exhaustion can lead to more serious health issues like sunstroke, so it's vital that we learn how to protect ourselves from the sun's rays. Luckily for you, AFC Urgent Care Saugus has made a guide on ways you can protect yourself when it's hot outside and what steps you should take if you experience heat exhaustion or sunstroke.
UV Rays Do More Than Just Burn Your Skin!
You may think that you need to be in the sun for a long time before your skin starts to burn, but UV rays can damage your skin even on cloudy days. The same goes for tanning beds and other sources of UV light. The radiation from these sources is so damaging that it’s been known to cause skin cancer, cataracts and other eye problems, serious burns, heat exhaustion and even sun stroke.
How Can We Protect Ourselves From The Dangers of UV Rays?
There are several ways we can protect ourselves from the dangers of UV rays.
Your first line of defense should be wearing sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. We highly suggest choosing a sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 or higher. Second, you can try wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, hats, and sunglasses to protect your skin from the sun. Third, we suggest that you avoid overexposure to the sun's rays, especially during peak hours from 10 am to 4 pm. If you have to go out, try to find shade if you can.
By taking these precautions, you can stay UV protected this summer and avoid your risk of developing skin cancer and the other health issues we mentioned earlier.
Don’t Forget About Heat Exhaustion and Sunstroke!
Let’s not forget about hydration and staying cool this summer. Heat exhaustion and sunstroke, also known as heat stroke, are very common in the summertime, especially during a heat wave. Hydration and monitoring your body temperature is important so that you don’t develop either of these two conditions.
If you are experiencing symptoms of dizziness, dehydration, a fever or faint when out in the sun for too long, then it’s time to seek medical attention right away!
Putting It All Together: Always Practice Sun Safety!
Now that you know what UV Safety Awareness Month is all about, you can now make better decisions when going to the beach, the pool, at your job (if it’s outside), etc.! Remember to wear sunscreen, stay hydrated and don’t leave home without your sunglasses. After all, it’s better safe than sorry!
AFC Urgent Care Saugus will be here for you in case you need us for urgent care services like COVID-19 testing, travel vaccinations and medicine, tick bites and removals, and a whole lot more!
Walk-in or make an appointment online, today! We are open weekdays from 8am-8pm and 8am-5pm on the weekends.
