With summer now in full swing, it’s a good time to review sun safety for your family’s health and well-being. Enjoying the sunshine is one of the loveliest gifts of the season, but there’s nothing like a bad sunburn, heat rash or the uncomfortable symptoms of getting too much sun to seriously dampen your fun. Overexposure to high temperatures and solar rays can also be life threatening to people and pets. Here are a few ways to enjoy the sun safely.
Take cover. Wear a hat, loose, light-coloured and long-sleeved clothing and sunglasses in the bright hot sun. Set up a beach umbrella for protection, or invest in a handy pop-up solar-wind shelter when spending any significant time near the water, or at sunny parks. Take naps under the shade of the shelter to avoid falling asleep in the sun.
The debate over the use of sunscreen is heating up. Some studies suggest that chemicals in conventional sunscreen can be dangerous when applied to skin. If you want to protect exposed skin from excessive ultraviolet rays of the sun, opt for a sunscreen made from natural ingredients including coconut oil, aloe vera and zinc. Natural sunscreens are also better for the environment, as they are less harmful to sea life and water plants.
Protect yourself and pets from heat exhaustion. The human body cools itself by sweating. That’s why keeping well hydrated by drinking plenty of water is so important. When the body is overexposed to heat and sun, mild to severe symptoms of heat exhaustion can occur including feeling faint, flushed skin colour, headache, confusion, tiredness and nausea. It’s important to seek shelter and medical attention immediately if you suspect heat stroke or exhaustion in yourself or others.
Remember, dogs are susceptible to heat exhaustion too. Dogs are unable to sweat effectively so they cool their bodies by panting. It’s very important to always provide water, shade and shelter for pets exposed to the heat and sun. Never, ever leave your pets alone in vehicles in summer, as cars can heat up rapidly, even in the shade. When a pet’s body temperature is raised just a few degrees, they can suffer and die.
Heat rash or prickly heat is an uncomfortable skin condition caused by hot, humid temperatures affecting sweat glands resulting in small, red, itchy rashes. Reducing heat and sun exposure can help prevent heat rash, and calamine lotion may soothe an outbreak, but do consult your health care practitioner first if you have an undiagnosed rash or skin condition.
If you do get too much sun and find yourself with sunburn, applying cool compresses and mild natural lotion will help soothe your skin. A bath in lukewarm water, with one cup of baking soda or apple cider vinegar added may also help you feel more comfortable.
