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Maximizing Fun in the Sun
The time has come! You finally have the opportunity to escape the office and
hit the beach. In the midst of excitement, you leave water, sunscreen, hats and
sunglasses at home. Lying out on the sand, playing in the water and drinking
cokes from the beach stand all are what you consider a day of fun. However, on
the return home you look like a lobster and are in pain like one pinched you –
not to mention that you are completely thirsty and your eyes just want to
sleep.
While getting out of the office to enjoy some summer days is
important in keeping you motivated and productive, making wise decisions are of
equal value. Health complications can be prevented or prolonged depending on the
action you take each day. Implementing some general health practices into all
aspects of your life brings great rewards. Enjoy more days in positive spirits
and condition, including more energy, a stronger immune system and better
efficiency. By following some advice, you will find yourself having fun while
maintaining your overall wellbeing.
Protect Your Skin
There
are several measures you can take to protect the shell of your body. Sunburns
lead to peeling, blisters, skin disorders or cancer. Take preventative measures
to avoid the negative effects of spending too much time outside unprotected.
-
Avoid the hottest parts of the day between 11 a.m.
and 4 p.m. when possible. Since this is the time when many children and adults
like to play outside, take other precautions.
-
Apply sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher regularly
throughout the day as needed to prevent sunburn. There are many brands and
varieties, so choose the type that you prefer to wear.
-
If you are swimming or sweating, use waterproof
sunscreen so that it doesn’t rub off as easily.
-
Wear SPF lip balm to protect your lips.
-
Apply lotion at the end of the day to keep your
skin hydrated. If you have a sunburn, look for lotions and skin gels that
include aloe vera.
-
Wear protective clothing when playing outside.
Since concrete surfaces absorb the heat, make sure you wear shoes to avoid
blisters and burns on the bottom of your feet.
-
Find shade or use an umbrella to keep the sun off
your skin and your body cooler.
Protect Your Eyes
Even
your eyes are susceptible to the extremities of the sun, so make sure you take
special care of them. Too much sun for your eyes makes them tired and can cause
cataracts, sunburn or cancer in or around your eye.
-
Wear sunglasses that block 99 percent to 100
percent of UVA and UVB rays to prevent permanent damage.
-
Wear a hat with a wide brim to prevent squinting
and to keep from burning your eyes.
-
Avoid staring at the sun.
Protect
Your Body
Overall maintenance of your body provides the energy it needs
to function properly and carryout tasks. The sun tends to drain the body of
energy, so follow some small steps that make a big difference in how you feel at
the end of the day.
-
Slowly increase spending time in the sun and heat.
Adapting to the warmer temperatures makes it easier to adjust to the demands
required of your body.
-
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and
maintain energy.
-
Stay away from caffeinated beverages, which will
slow you down and absorb the water in your body.
-
Recognize when your body needs to go inside to
avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
-
Taking time to rest rejuvenates your system and
provides energy. Catch enough sleep at night and enjoy some quiet time out of
the sun to recuperate from a day’s activities.
-
Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing to keep
your circulation moving and to let your body stay cool.
Taking
care of your skin, eyes and body is important to maintaining your health and
fitness. Implementing some simple steps into your outdoor summer adventures can
make a great difference in your long-term health. Remember to apply sunscreen,
drink plenty of water, wear sunglasses and recognize your body’s needs to
survive the long, hot summer days. Teaching your friends and family these
important steps is the next course of action. You can enjoy a long, healthy
future together!