How to Protect Yourself on Hot Summer Days – Tips and Tricks

Summer is practically here and we have all those long lovely sunny days to look forward to. When you have just survived a sleety winter and a treacherous spring, it’s easy to be thoughtless when the sun does show up.  But before you go lounging about on beaches in your bathing suit for hours on end, remember that too much sun can be as harmful as too little sun. So what can you do to protect yourself and the little ones, during those beautiful summer days and nights? Here are some practical tips for all you dedicated sunbathers out there.

• A high-SPF sunscreen is a must when you are out in the sun and the benefits of doing this cannot be emphasized enough. The risks of too much exposure to the sun have been well documented. Sunscreen protects your skin from the long term effects of sun damage that no amount of protective clothing is going to do. The funny thing is, most of us religiously use sunscreen while vacationing abroad but forget all about it while sunbathing in the backyard. When you go swimming, be sure to apply a waterproof sunscreen and reapply every 2 or 3 hours.
• If you plan to spend any time outdoors in the extreme (or not so extreme heat), make sure you remain properly hydrated. You might be one of those people who need “less fluids” than others, but adequate fluid intake is necessary for everyone. Cool water is the best drink for a hot summer day, though an electrolyte solution works best for treating dehydration due to fluid loss. Although it can be tempting, try and avoid drinking too many alcoholic drinks in the heat of summer. Alcohol is known to promote fluid loss and often leads to dehydration during summer.
• Sometimes, the sun isn’t the only thing you need to protect yourself and your family from. Bugs and mosquitoes can really suck the fun out summer, so arm yourself against these stingers and biters ahead of time. Luckily, a good bug repellant will be an effective deterrent against the creepy crawlies. Avoid using products that are a combination of sunscreen and bug repellent – sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 2-3 hours while bug repellent does not. If your kids are too young, make sure they stay away from places where insects tend to congregate like stagnant bodies of water.

Keep these essential tips in mind and have a safe and enjoyable summer!