Staying Safe in the Sun: Essential Summer Health Tips for All Ages

Summer is here, bringing longer days and warmer weather—perfect for enjoying the outdoors! But the summer sun, while wonderful, can pose health challenges for everyone. July is UV Safety Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to review some essential tips to help individuals of all ages stay safe, healthy, and happy all season long.

Understanding the Risks: Heat and Dehydration

No matter your age, our bodies can struggle with heat regulation, and the risk of heat stroke and dehydration is real. Children and older adults are especially vulnerable, but anyone can be affected. Proactive measures are key to staying cool and hydrated.

• Prioritize Hydration: Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink. Thirst often signals that dehydration has already begun. Keep a water bottle or glass within easy reach and sip regularly throughout the day. Beyond plain water, consider diluted fruit juices, caffeine-free herbal teas, or hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and berries. For kids, fun ice pops made from real fruit juice can also be a great way to hydrate.

• Seek Cooler Environments: On hot and humid days, spending time in air-conditioned spaces is crucial. If your home isn't air-conditioned, plan to visit local public places like libraries, shopping malls, community centers, or movie theaters. Even a few hours in a cooler environment can significantly reduce your risk of heat-related illness.

• Dress Strategically: Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Light colors reflect sunlight more effectively than dark colors, helping to keep your body cooler.

Medications and Sun Sensitivity

Many commonly prescribed medications, and even some over-the-counter drugs and supplements, can increase your skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This phenomenon, known as photosensitivity, can make you more susceptible to severe sunburns and other skin reactions. Common culprits include certain antibiotics, antihistamines, diuretics, and some NSAIDs (like ibuprofen and naproxen).

• Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Before spending extended time outdoors, it's vital to discuss all your medications and supplements with your doctor or pharmacist. They can identify any drugs that may cause photosensitivity and advise you on specific precautions.

• Review Medication Labels: Always carefully read the warning labels and patient information leaflets that come with your prescriptions. These often contain specific advice regarding sun exposure.

Comprehensive Protection for Your Eyes and Skin

Sun protection is about more than just preventing sunburn; it's also crucial for safeguarding your eyes and overall skin health against long-term UV damage, which can lead to premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer.

• High-Quality Sunglasses: Invest in sunglasses that provide 99-100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for labels indicating "UV400" or "100% UV protection." Quality sunglasses help prevent sun-related eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Wrap-around styles offer even more comprehensive protection. This applies to kids too – protect their developing eyes early!

• Wide-Brimmed Hats: A wide-brimmed hat (with a brim of at least 3 inches) offers excellent shade for your face, scalp, ears, and neck—areas frequently exposed to the sun and prone to skin damage. Baseball caps are fine, but a wider brim provides more comprehensive protection.

• Protective Clothing: Consider incorporating sun-protective clothing into your summer wardrobe. Many brands offer lightweight, breathable garments with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating, indicating how much UV radiation the fabric blocks. A UPF of 30 or higher is recommended for effective protection. These are great for long days at the beach or pool.

• Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher generously to all exposed skin. Broad-spectrum means it protects against both UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays). Apply it at least 15-30 minutes before going outside to allow it to absorb properly, and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating. Don't forget often-missed spots like the tops of your feet, ears, and back of your neck.

Staying Active Safely Throughout Summer

Maintaining physical activity is crucial for overall health and well-being at any age. Summer offers abundant opportunities for outdoor exercise and play, but it's important to approach it safely.

• Strategic Timing: Plan your outdoor activities for the coolest parts of the day. This typically means early mornings before 10 AM or late evenings after 4 PM, when the sun's rays are less intense. Avoid peak sun hours between 10 AM and 4 PM.

• Listen to Your Body's Cues: Pay close attention to how you feel. If you experience symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, excessive fatigue, nausea, or rapid heartbeat, stop your activity immediately. Move to a cool, shaded area, and hydrate. Don't push through discomfort or ignore signs of heat exhaustion.

• The Buddy System: Whenever possible, engage in outdoor activities with a friend, family member, or group. Having someone with you ensures that help is readily available if you unexpectedly encounter difficulties. This is especially important for children playing outdoors, who should always have adult supervision.

By thoughtfully implementing these preventative measures, individuals and families can fully embrace the joys of summer while effectively safeguarding their health and well-being.

Check in with us to make sure your healthcare coverage supports your summer needs.

To explore plans available in your area and compare their benefits, costs, and networks, give one of our licensed agents a call for free, unbiased Medicare advice. We are here to help you navigate your options and make the best choices for your healthcare journey. We are available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 8 PM (CST) at 1-855-952-1941 (TTY: 711).  We look forward to speaking with you!