There’s no getting away from it, the weather is changing. This summer we’ve been inundated with freak weather occurrences all across the country and recent heat waves have proven deadly in some regions.
Though we all like a bit of sun over the summer months it’s fair to say that in some areas it’s been far too hot to enjoy without fearing residual health issues that come with over exposure.
The Western North American heat wave saw many cities from Oregon to Washington reaching temperatures in excess of 40ºC (104 ºF) and these have led to a rise in deaths and serious injuries. This was worse for a region that wasn’t ably prepared due to a lack of air-conditioning.
It’s expected that this heat wave will sweep across the US with temperatures expected to be as much as 5 to 10 degrees higher than average. For most of us this represents real issues and we’d recommended being prepared as much as is reasonably practicable.
Here are some tips for heat waves that should help protect you and your loved ones from both the sun and the rise in temperatures.
Use Sunscreen, Even On a Cloudy Day
The sun can sometimes be lying to us. Yes it may not be a bright summer’s day but that doesn’t mean that the sun isn’t behind the clouds causing some level of damage to your skin.
Apply sunscreen regularly, especially if you are more susceptible to sunburns, and do so even if it’s not a clear day. Get into the habit of doing this every day before you leave the house.
Stay Hydrated
If you don’t consume a consistent amount of water you may well end up suffering some type of heatstroke, or other similar issues. Never leave your house without a bottle and drink regularly. This will help to keep you hydrated and better prepared to deal with the heat and humidity.
If you have children and you are on a day out to the beach or elsewhere, make sure they drink. They should do so even if they don’t feel thirsty and especially so if they are enjoying some form of exercise like swimming.
If You are Outdoors, Wear Sunglasses With UVA Protection
Maybe you are an outdoors fitness type and as such you simply have to be outdoors to retain your sanity. In which case we’d urge you to wear sunglasses that offer you a strong level of UVA protection. You can find a great range of sports glasses that provide this here, and this way even if you have to be outside in the sun you are covering your eyes from exposure to the elements.
Try to Avoid Peak Sun Hours
If you do need, or absolutely have, to go outside then try to limit doing so to certain hours in the day. Between 10am and 3pm the sun is at its most deadly and you should try to limit your time in these periods.
Maybe try to get out early in the morning or nearer to dusk as your activities, whether for fun or necessity, will prove far easier to complete and you’ll help to reduce the risk of damage from the most powerful exposure to the sun’s rays.
Cover Yourself
There’s no need to bare too much skin unless you really insist on doing so. Wear a hat and consider long flowing garments that loosely cover you so as to avoid being too comfortable.
Dress in light colors and fabrics that don’t encumber your movement and even then try to stay in the shade as much as possible.
Keep Your Children Safe
Children under six months should avoid being out in the sun entirely and those who are older should be well protected to avoid short and long-term damage that comes from exposure to the sun.
Apply sunscreen liberally and reduce the amount of time they are out in the sun as much as is reasonably possible. Also consider using indoor facilities if they are available.
Don’t Forget to Reapply
Yes you may have started the day with a coating of sunscreen but if you’ve taken a dip in the pool, sweated a great deal or just left it more than a few hours, you need to reapply regularly.
The positive effects of sunscreen are well-known but you should look to reapply as much as possible in order to feel the genuine benefits that sunscreen offers.
The Sun Is Here to Stay
The heat waves we are currently experiencing are not going anywhere. Indeed, the heat is rising throughout the year and we could, at this juncture, point out that this is down to human habitation leading to climate change, but we don’t need to open that can of worms for this discussion.
Whatever side of the scientific debate you fall on, the rise in temperatures is an inescapable fact and we now, as a species, need to learn to live with this fact as best we can.
This means protecting ourselves and our loved ones from the harm that the sun can cause. Getting yourself used to a routine that is easy to remember will help keep you aware of the problem and will help to avoid complacency.
Make a plan for the summer and stick with it all year round, especially during periods of real consistent heat.
