It’s UV Safety Awareness month, and you know what that means? It’s time to learn about the dangers of UV rays and how to avoid them this summer. Why? Because UV rays can cause a number of problems for your skin, including sunburn, heat exhaustion, and sunstroke. All of these problems can be avoided by taking proper precautions such as, wearing sunscreen and practicing other “sun” safe methods so that you can enjoy a summer without these health concerns.
AFC Urgent Care Worcester is here to guide you with a safety guide on UV rays and prevention tips for heat exhaustion, dehydration and sunstroke.
The Dangers Of UV Rays
UV rays are invisible to the naked eye and are divided into three categories: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and can cause long-term damage. UVB rays are the main cause of sunburns. They damage the outer layer of skin and can also cause long-term damage. UVC rays are the most harmful but they are mostly absorbed by the ozone layer and do not reach the earth’s surface.
Overexposure to these rays may lead to skin cancer, serious burns, damage to your eyes, cataracts, and heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Everyday Solutions to Protect Your Skin from UV Rays
One of the best ways to protect your skin from UV radiation is to use sunscreen. But, make sure that the sunscreen you choose protects against UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 30 or higher!
You can also try wearing protective clothing when you are outdoors, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Seek shade whenever possible, especially during the midday hours when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Lastly, make sure you don’t overexert yourself this summer because we might have a heat wave or two that could bring on a sunstroke, dehydration and heat exhaustion!
Tips to Prevent Heat Exhaustion, Dehydration and Sunstroke
- Drinking plenty of fluids is one of the most important things you can do to prevent heat exhaustion, dehydration and sunstroke. Make sure to drink plenty of water, especially if you are spending time outdoors in hot weather. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, as they can actually contribute to dehydration.
- Stay in the shade: Another great way to prevent heat exhaustion and sunstroke is to stay in the shade as much as possible when outdoors. If you must be in the sun, make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your skin and a hat or sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- Take breaks: When you are outdoors in hot weather, it is important to take breaks often. Find a cool place to rest in the shade for a few minutes every hour or so. This will help your body to recover from the heat and prevent heat exhaustion or sunstroke.
- Monitor your body temperature: Pay attention to your body temperature and monitor for signs of heat exhaustion or sunstroke. These can include headache, dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating and flushed skin. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
AFC Urgent Care Worcester Hopes You Stay Sun Safe This Summer
Being aware of the risks from sun exposure will help you be safer all year long and not just UV Safety Awareness month! We hope that you can practice UV safety when planning your next beach trip, barbeque or Fourth of July festivity. Trust us, the burned “tan” look is not worth it.
AFC Urgent Care is here for when you need us 7 days a week.We are open weekdays from 8am-8pm and 8am-5pm on the weekends. We are accepting walk-ins and are taking appointments for urgent care needs such as COVID-19 testing, tick bites and removals, travel vaccinations and medicine and a whole lot more!
