Preventing Sunburns and Dehydration Should Be Your Top Priority During the Summer

During the summer months you can suffer from a variety of sun related issues including sunburn and dehydration. It is important to follow safe guidelines during the hot summer months, especially June through August. Millions of people each year receive sunburns of different magnitudes and can even increase the risk of skin cancer. It is important you have a set of guide lines you and your family will follow when out in the sun at picnics, sporting events or at the beach. Here are some simple steps to help prevent sunburns and dehydration.

Sunscreen: Obviously the most important factor when you are out in the sun. Always go with a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to ensure you get the right amount of protection. Always apply sunscreen at least 10 - 20 minutes before you head outdoors. If you plan on going swimming, make sure that you apply your sunscreen after you get out just incase the previous sunscreen has washed away.

Shade: Depending on your plans for the day, if you can some how accommodate some shade into your activities, that is great. This way you can have some great protection against the sun without having to worry about how much sun screen you use, what clothes your wearing and so on. Peak hours of the sun are usually anywhere from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. This can vary based on where you are located.

Clothing: If the weather isn't too hot or humid, you can wear jeans and a long sleeved shirt to help block out the sun. If the weather is just too hot for that, you will just have to make sure you use the proper amount of sunscreen on any bare spots of your body. Always where a hat, because hats can help block out the sun from your face and scalp. Sunglasses are also very important. The main area of concern would be around areas like a beach because the suns light is heightened off the sand.

It is guaranteed that at some point in your life, you will get a sunburn. Typically most sunburns are usually minor and will heal up within a day or two. The most common methods of treating a sunburn include, aloe gels and cold baths. You want to make sure to stay covered up if you have a burn and head outside. Adding more exposure to your burn will only lead to more pain and a longer healing time.

Dehydration is another serious part of the summer months. Mainly people in physical activities or outdoor work will have the highest risk of becoming dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. It is important to keep cool and always drink a lot of water when outside.

Always make sure you don't have too much exposure to the sun and always keep some water with you. If you are working outside, take frequent breaks. It may make your work last longer but it definitely beats getting heat stroke. Make sure you and your family follows these guidelines when going out and about this summer to help prevent sunburns and dehydration.