5 Ways to Stay Sun Safe this Summer

When the summer months arrive, it's tempting to spend hours in the sun. But if you don't take the right precautions, you may find that your health is at risk. Fortunately, there are ways to enjoy the sunshine and stay sun safe. Here are our top five tips for doing so.

Stay well-hydrated

When you spend time in the sun, you spend time sweating. One of the biggest causes of heat stroke is poor hydration. Because of this, you need to stay on top of your water intake when you're spending time outdoors. If you're prone to heatstroke, make sure you wear an emergency ID.

Staying well-hydrated is particularly important when you have a condition that's triggered by dehydration. For example, you may be more likely to fit if you're epileptic. In addition to maintaining good hydration, ensure you wear your emergency ID.

Use a minimum of SPF 30

sunscreen

Sun cream is a must-wear when you're spending time in the sun. If you want to achieve the best protection, aim for a minimum SPF of 30. By wearing SPF 30 you're blocking 97% of the sun's rays.

In addition to wearing a high SPF, make sure you top-up your sun cream every two hours. And, choose sun cream that's waterproof rather than water-resistant. Preventing sunburn can help to reduce your chances of developing skin cancer and multiple sclerosis later in life.

Avoid peak sun hours

Peak sun hours tend to occur between 10 am and 3 pm. When you bask in the sun while it's at its strongest, you're more likely to develop sunburn. Additionally, you increase your risk of heat exhaustion. When those hours come around, make sure you seek shade or go indoors.

Avoiding peak sun hours is especially important when you have a cardiac condition. For example, if you suffer from arrhythmia, you may find your symptoms worsen when you spend time in the sun. Naturally, this isn't always avoidable. Because of this, you should always wear an emergency medical ID, just in case you faint.

Wear light clothing

wear light color

The colour of the clothing you wear can have a big impact on how the sun affects you. When you wear black or dark shades of blue, you attract more of the sun's rays. As a result, you may be more likely to burn or suffer the effects of heatstroke.

Because dark clothing isn't advisable, you should stick to white or another light colour. Additionally, make sure you wear a breathable material such as cotton. If you need to wear a custom medical bracelet, make sure the colour stands out against your clothes. In doing so, you'll make it easier for a first responder.

Wear protective clothing

Clothing that keeps you safe in the sun, but still keeps you looking fashionable, stylish, and cool, isn't difficult to find. For example, make sure you choose a hat that has a full and wide brim. Although caps are useful, they won't protect the back of your neck. Additionally, choose sunglasses that are known to provide UVA and UVB protection. In doing so, you'll prevent wrinkles and eyesight loss.

Your protective clothing should also include t-shirts that cover your chest and back. Overall, you need to avoid exposing too much of your body to the sun. If you need to wear a mediband, make sure you keep yours on at all times.

Staying safe in the sun requires very little effort. By implementing each of these tips, you can eliminate the risk of acute problems such as sunburn. Additionally, you'll avoid long-term conditions such as skin cancer.