As the horrid hot and humid Indian summers approach, so does the need to go on a vacation. Whatever activities you do this summer, be sure to remember sunshine can be harmful.
So here’s how to have fun this summer with a few helpful tips on sun safety for Sun Awareness Week, June 2-8.
Being active is important: Families often prefer spending time at home or malls but being active and enjoying this weather is important to build immunity.
Pick a family activity like swimming or walks early morning it late evening.
Time it right: Remember that the sunshine you’re enjoying can be quite harmful, and parents should make sure to protect themselves and their children. Be aware that the sun and it’s harmful rays are at their worst between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and protect yourself accordingly.
Remember the sun protection gear: Wear sunscreen, protective gear, including a hat, use an umbrella, cover your head with scarf and limit your exposure to the sun. Dermatologists strongly recommend a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Use a lip balm with SPF 30.
Stay hydrated: Sun often fizzles our body of liquids and leads to dehydration. Hydration is the key to stop the sun from harming the body and making you ill. Have a water based drink mixed with salt and sugar to balance your body’s equilibrium. Lemon shikanjvi, coconut water are all a good idea. Aerated drinks can further increase dehydration.
Avoid direct sunshine or tanning: Many Indians like their foreign counterparts now think that a tan is good. But in reality it is a sign that the skin is trying to protect itself from the ever stronger UV rays that come with summer, rays that cause aging of the skin, premature wrinkling and skin cancers. So limit your heat exposure and make sure to soothe a tan much like a sun burn.
When the weather heats up and families are out enjoying picnics or barbecues, exposure to direct sun and hot temperatures can cause dehydration and illness.
Staying in the shade during the hottest hours of the day and drinking lots of water will help prevent heat exhaustion.
By staying safe and using sunscreen, you’re making sure that your family is safe and protected.
