Outdoor Safety Made Simple

With summer approaching, it’s time to prepare your beach bag, suitcase, and medicine cabinet. The heat, the sun, and the bugs may cause issues if you are not adequately prepared. Whether you plan on spending your warmer months out on the lakes or the road, there are several ways you can protect your skin and your health.

We’re here to help you and your family stay well through the summer with helpful resources and tips. Look through this list of valuable practices, and get ready to have the best summer ever!

Sunscreen tips

Sunscreen is your best line of defense against sunburn, dark spots, and skin cancer. Even on cloudy days, the sun’s rays can still affect your skin.

We all know sunscreen is important, but did you know that choosing the right kind and how you apply it is equally vital for your skin health? It’s essential to be selective with the sunscreen you use to stay protected from the sun in the warmer months.

Choosing the right sunscreen

Knowing your skin is the first step towards picking out your sunscreen. People should generally choose one with an SPF of 30 or more. However, if you are someone with paler skin that burns easily, consider choosing one with an SPF of at least 50.

You should also choose a water-resistant sunscreen. During the summer, you may be out at the beach or the pool, or at the very least, sweating from the sun. You want sunscreen that can handle getting wet without wearing off so you can still be protected.

Lastly, make sure to purchase sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection. This means it protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA is a type of wavelength from the sun’s rays that can go beneath the skin's surface, causing inflammation and potentially skin cancer. UVB is shorter wavelengths that impact the outer layer of the skin, causing sunburn and skin cancer. Choosing a sunscreen that shields from both of those types is vital.

Proper application

Did you know there are specific methods for applying sunscreen to protect your skin better? Yes—where, when, and how much sunscreen you use will make a difference.

Where to Apply
When applying sunscreen, it’s important to rub it on all areas where your skin will be exposed. This includes the tops of your ears and, if your hair is thinning, on your scalp. You should also use lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from burning.

When to Apply
Always apply before you go outside. It takes about 15 minutes for the sunscreen to soak through your skin and start working. When you are outside, make sure to reapply right after you’ve been sweating or getting wet from the pool. Along with that, it’s a general rule of thumb to reapply every two hours.

How Much to Apply
Most adults should use about 1 ounce of sunscreen every time they apply. This will be enough to cover all areas of exposed skin. It’s easier to measure that amount with a cream or lotion; however, some people have resorted to using sunscreen sprays or sticks, which can still be effective if you apply the recommended amount. However, it is harder to gauge the amount of sunscreen you use when it’s not a lotion, so you may risk applying less than you need.

Heat safety and hydration tips

Keeping tabs on how much water you drink and being aware of how you're feeling is key to preventing heat stroke in the summer.

The first step to preventing heat stroke? Hydrate. Make sure you’re always bringing water with you wherever you go. The heat from the sun can be dangerous if you’re not properly hydrated. Drinking water is essential to helping your body stay cool and produce sweat. If you’re not drinking enough water, you’ll increase your risk of heat stroke.

Sugary, alcoholic, or caffeinated beverages can cause harm if you’re not drinking them responsibly. The sodium and sugar found in these drinks actually dehydrate you. So, if you are having those drinks, limit the amount or offset them with enough water.

If you’re not sure you’re getting enough water, your body will tell you. Here are some signs you may be dehydrated:

• Urine
  You're most likely dehydrated if your urine is a yellow or mild amber color. When properly hydrated, your urine will be clear or light yellow.
• Skin
  Your skin may become itchy or irritated if you’re not drinking enough water.
• Physical Symptoms
  You may experience unusual sensations like feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or muscle cramping if you are dehydrated.

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you need to drink more water.

If you’re keeping an eye out for these signs and being conscious of your water intake, you should be able to prevent heat stroke or severe dehydration seamlessly.

Treating common summer ailments

Summer ailments like sunburn, bug bites, or poison ivy are sometimes inevitable for people who go outside frequently during the warmer months. Even when taking the proper precautions, you might still get sunburn if you miss a spot when applying sunscreen or get bitten by a stubborn bug even when you use bug spray. Fortunately, there are easy treatments for these common summer nuisances.

• Sunburn
  Take cold showers frequently and apply aloe-infused aftersun lotion.
• Mosquito Bites
  Rub anti-itch medicine on the affected area to limit the irritation and prevent you from scratching it too much, damaging your skin.
• Poison Ivy
  Apply cortisone cream to soothe the irritation. You can also soak the affected area in a cold bath with half a cup of baking soda or place cold compresses on it for 15-30 minutes throughout the day to soothe the skin and prevent the rash from spreading. Another treatment method is to take over-the-counter allergy medications like Benadryl to ease symptoms.

Travel medication and vaccination planning

Whether on the road or on an airplane, you’ll likely be around a lot of people if you plan on traveling this summer. Because of that, travel does come with a higher risk of exposure to illness. Before you get on the road, pick up essential supplements like Vitamin C or Zinc to ward off germs.

While you rack up the hours on the road, you or someone in your party may experience motion sickness. Taking medication like Dramamine is a simple fix to offset the symptoms that come with travel. Furthermore, you’ll likely often eat out and try new foods while traveling. Pack an antacid medicine to have on hand to prevent any stomach pains that may come with digestive issues.

Make sure you’re up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations before you head out of town as well. Stop at any Lewis Pharmacy to get the immunizations you may be missing. You can schedule an appointment or simply come in during our walk-in hours (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.).

After months of planning and waiting in anticipation for a vacation, the last thing you want is to get sick. To have a great trip, make sure you are fully prepared for common travel-related sicknesses.