The sun is out, and that means two things: it's time to get outside, and it's time to protect yourself from UV rays. But, I thought the sun was good for you? Yes, it is. However, it can also be your worst enemy when it comes to heat exhaustion, sunstroke and overexposure to harmful UV rays. No wonder, July is known as UV Safety Awareness Month. It's time to learn the dangers of UV rays, and ways you can protect you and your family so that you can enjoy a healthy and safe the summer
UV Rays Are More Harmful Than You Think!
UV rays are harmful to the skin:
- They can cause skin cancer, cataracts and other eye problems.
- They can cause premature aging of the skin, wrinkles and damage to collagen fibers in your skin, leading to sagging and wrinkling skin that looks much older than it is.
- UV rays can also increase your risk of developing basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma (both types of non-melanoma skin cancer).
- UV exposure also makes you more susceptible to developing melanoma, the deadliest form of malignant melanoma (the most serious type of skin cancer).
Let’s not forget about sunstroke and heat exhaustion! Overexposure can also lead to these two conditions, especially during a heat wave!
Sunstrokes and Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion and sunstroke (also known as heat stroke) are two different conditions that can occur due to excessive exposure to heat and/or sunlight. Both conditions can lead to dehydration, but they affect the body in different ways. It's important to remember that even though you're not sweating much right now, that doesn't mean you don't have heat stroke coming on! Heat stroke is serious—and if left untreated could lead to death. Symptoms for sunstroke include: overheating, fever, dizziness and loss of conscious
How To Avoid The Sun’s Harmful UV Rays And Preventing Sunstroke And Heat Exhaustion
- You should avoid being out in direct sunlight between 10 am and 4 pm during summer months. This is the time of day when UV rays are most intense, which means you're more likely to get sunburnt or develop heat exhaustion and dehydration.
- A good trick is to wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses wherever you go outside. Cool down with a glass of water every now and then too!
- If you're worried about getting too much sun exposure during this time frame, then remember that you can also try going for walks after sunset or early in the morning before sunrise (when UVB rays are weaker).
- Stay indoors or go to the mall, a library or coffee shop where they have a/c
- Hydrate throughout the day, even if you’re not thirsty (avoid alcohol)
AFC Urgent Care West Springfield Hopes You’re Sun Prepared!
Taking precautions to prevent excessive heat exposure can help us enjoy a safe, and healthy summer season. Wear sun-protective clothing and seek shade often, especially when the temperature rises. If you begin to feel overheated or show signs of heat stroke, take immediate action to lower your body temperature and seek medical attention right away.
AFC Urgent Care in West Springfield will be here in case you need us for urgent care services like tick bites and removals, travel medicine and vaccinations, COVID-19 testing, camp physicals and sports physicals and a whole lot more. We accept walk-ins and appointments, 7 days a week and are open weekdays from 8am-8pm and 8am-5pm on the weekends.
