Summer is just around the corner, which means that you’ll want to enjoy vacation time, outdoor activities, and the sunny skies as much as possible. But families should always remember some of the crucial ways to remain safe and healthy during the summer season.

Just like every other major season, summertime comes with its own health and wellness pitfalls if families aren’t careful. The good news is that managing safety, wellness, and overall health is fairly straight forward. A little prevention and protection goes a long way in living a risk-free summer!

So what should you do in order to make this summer the best possible health-wise?

Use sunscreen and practice sun safety!

The risks of sunburn drastically increases during the summer because weather becomes less cloudy, which means a greater amount harmful UV radiation comes from the sun. However, there are a few methods patients can use to reduce their risk of sunburn:

• Use sunscreen at the beach and elsewhere! – Sunscreen is the best course of action when trying to protect your skin from UV rays. Sunscreen between SPF 30 and 50 is usually enough to protect most people while out in the sun. However, make sure you repeatedly apply sunscreen if you are outside for long duration.
• Wear hats and sunglasses – Prevention techniques as simple as wearing a brimmed hat and sunglasses also helps to lower your exposure to UV rays. Sustained eye contact with the sun makes it hard to see and may even lead to cataract damage!
• Do not try to “tan” and limit tanning sessions – “Tanning” can potentially lead to long-term skin damage if individuals aren’t careful! Most medical experts don’t recommend tanning and suggest limiting daytime hours between 10 a.m and 4 p.m.

Stay hydrated and watch out for summertime illnesses!

Hydration is paramount during the summer for adults and children of all ages. During summer, dry and hot air can lead to significant dehydration, which may cause fainting, dizziness, and headaches. In extreme cases, dehydration could lead to a shut down of certain organs and critical respiratory failure.

However, the key to remaining properly hydrated is to drink plenty of water. Even though some people say “eight glasses a day” is enough for water, you should just drink water until you feel no longer dehydrated. People lose water at differing rates so you’ll just want to drink water until you’re not thirsty anymore. Always carry a water bottle or know where the nearest source of water is located at all times.

Additionally, summertime illnesses including mosquito and tick-borne illnesses, food poisoning, and other airborne diseases can lead to worsened health. Make sure that you stay updated about any Lyme disease hot-zones, keep food properly stored/refrigerated, and practice good personal hygiene.

This summer can be your healthiest yet by taking these precautionary steps. Keep safe, stay hydrated, and enjoy the sun!