Playing It Safe in the Heat

As the old song goes: "summer’s here and the time has come for dancing in the streets!" The time has also come for switching gears when it comes to thinking about health, safety, and conservation.

Summer fun means time spent outdoors in the sun and more time in, around, and using water. By paying attention to both elements, you’ll be guaranteed a safe and fun summer season.

It All Begins With Skin Care
Remember the days of lathering on the baby oil and stretching out in the sun? Those days are long gone! Today skin care means active protection. Experts recommend using sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher on a daily basis, with a broad-spectrum agent that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. And be sure to use enough, approximately a shot glass full, to cover your entire body, and reapply it about every two hours or sooner after swimming or perspiring heavily.

For children, sun care is even more urgent. Keep children in the shade when sun is the strongest, between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Even if it is cloudy, don’t skimp on sun protection.

Beat the Heat
When the temperature rises, it is time to take it slow. Reschedule your daily run to early morning or cooler evening hours instead of at peak sun hours. Pace yourself and drink plenty of water. Don’t wait until you are thirsty.

Dress in light, loose clothing in natural fabrics that breathe and allow air to circulate. Protective hats will keep the sun out of your eyes and provide some cooling shade.

Never leave children or pets inside a car, even if the windows are open.

Learn to recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion and potentially fatal heat stroke, which can begin after exercise or time in the sun. If you, or someone else experiences nausea, dizziness, heavy sweating, rapid heartbeat, cool moist pale skin, cramps, headache and/or fatigue, get out of the sun and into an air conditioned or shady area. If symptoms of heat stroke, including fainting, high fever, or seizures occur, call 911.

Don’t Forget About Water
Many towns have restrictions on water use during the summer, so be sure to check with your community sites for updates. Even if yours doesn’t, remember that when it comes to water conservation, every drop counts.

When watering the lawn, try to only water in the early morning or evening hours to avoid loss from evaporation (if you live in humid climates, keep in mind evening watering can lead to fungus issues). Don’t leave sprinklers and hoses running unattended. Your garden hose can pour out 600 gallons in only a few hours. Consider raising your lawn mower blade higher to allow for less need to water grass as often.

If you have a swimming pool, consider a new water-saving pool filter. A single back flushing with a traditional filter uses from l80 to 250 gallons or more of water.

Sun, Skin, and Water. With just a little advance planning, you and your family can stay cool the rest of the summer!