Sun Safety Tips

 Sun Safety Tips for Everyone

I absolutely love summertime but since we have moved to Alaska I am much more aware of Sun Safety Tips when we travel to the lower 48!   Whether you are a kid, or an adult…who acts like a kid, two things that really can be very dangerous during the summertime are Dehydration and Sunburn.  So I thought I’d share some Sun Safety Tips.

Sun Safety Tips-Avoid Dehydration:

DRINK WATER:  is the first Sun Safety Tip!  Dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion.  You can get dehydrated anytime under the sun whether you are at the beach, shopping, exercising or just walking with the kids or at the playground.  It is important to always have bottles of water or energy drinks that supply electrolytes on hand.  Any form of exercise can result in loss of salt and water due to sweating. If the water is not replaced, you can easily become dehydrated.  Drink at least ten glasses of water a day to keep hydrated.  Keep salty snacks with you as well.

This holds true if you are indoors, as well. You may be cleaning the house or working in your garden in the heat and not realize you are losing fluids. Take a break and drink a couple of glasses of water.   I had to do that this week working in the garden in only 68 degree weather.   I felt so woozy I had to run a wash cloth under cold water and place it behind your neck. This will help to cool your body, as well.   If you are near water such as rafting or boating, in addition to drinking fluids, keep wet whether you jump in the water or soak a shirt or hat and wear it.

 SYMPTOMS:    Disorientation, nausea, feeling faint, headache or anxiety.  Your urine is usually dark also.

If you find you are dehydrated, experts say it is important that you not gulp down any fluids. This can cause vomiting. Sip a glass of water slowly to avoid any further discomfort. If you are outdoors, find a shady area and rest until the queasy feeling goes away. In fact, place a cold wash cloth in a plastic zip lock bag and keep it in your purse or tote bag, just in case.

Sun Safety Tips-Avoid Summer Sunburns:

Prevent Sunburns is the 2nd Sun Safety Tip!  Stay in the shade or wear protective clothing. A wide-brimmed hat can provide protection for the face and neck. If you’re going to be in one spot for a long period of time, a large umbrella or awning can provide protection without the need for extra clothing.

Sunscreen is the most effective sun protection option for those who do not want to stay in the shade or wear protective clothing.We often wear  long-sleeved light weight white shirts when we boat, raft or kayak. SPF 15 or higher Sunscreen is sufficient for most people. For babies over 6 months of age and young children, however, SPF 30 may provide more protection. Reapply sunscreen every 8 hours, even if you remain dry.

Essential Oils can be used to make your own sunscreen using 5 – 10 drops of helichrysum mixed with 1 Tablespoon fractionated coconut oil and apply to your skin.

Sun Safety Tips – Treating Sunburn

If you should get sunburned, there are lots of products on the market for treating sunburn. Hydrocortisone cream and calamine lotion are two popular commercial remedies. But there are several all-natural remedies that also work very well which I recommend.

Aloe vera is a popular natural sunburn remedy. You can buy aloe vera gels and creams at most drugstores and discount stores. If you are lucky enough to live where you can get an aloe plant, break off the leaves and squeeze out the juice when you need it.

Witch hazel is also great for sunburn. You can gently rub it on the skin as needed, or you can add it to bath water and soak to soothe the sunburn if it covers a large portion of the body. You can also do this with vinegar, but you will need to dilute it well.

Essential Oils are also great if you have a sunburn.  You can mix 10 drops of lavender in a 4 ons misting spray bottle filled with distilled water.  Shake well and spray for pain and healing.   Other Essential Oils that are good are:  Melaleuca and Roman chamomile.

My Sun Safety Tips for sunburns are, those that blister, see a doctor.

 

 

 

Topic: Sun Safety Tips