Toes in the sand. Picnics in the park. Swim lessons at the pool. Summertime means fun in the sun! But the sun can also be dangerous, especially with the high temperatures in Texas.
Between heat-related illnesses and damaging sun rays, you'll want to take steps to protect yourself and your family this season.
The dangers of heat stroke
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and can be life-threatening without immediate emergency care. Symptoms of heat stroke include:
- confusion and slurred speech
- loss of consciousness
- hot, dry skin or excessive sweating
- seizures
- very high body temperature – up to 106 degrees
Getting urgent help for heat stroke is critical. Here’s how:
- Call 911 for emergency medical care.
- Move the individual to an indoor or shaded area and remove outer clothing.
- Cool them down with water, ice, or wet towels, concentrating on the head, neck, armpits and groin.
- Soak their clothing in cool water if possible.
Heat exhaustion is another serious heat-related illness. Know the signs and best treatment options so you can get urgent help when needed. Heat exhaustion symptoms include:
- headache
- nausea
- dizziness
- weakness
- anger
If someone is suffering from heat exhaustion, call 911 or get them to an urgent care center or emergency room. You should also:
- Remove them from the heat and give them water or another cool drink.
- Remove unnecessary clothing, including shoes and socks.
- Use wet cloths to cool them down and have them splash water on their head, face and neck.
UV rays can hurt you
Ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun can be dangerous. Too much UV exposure raises the chances of getting skin cancer.
In fact, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, according to the CDC. Frequent sunburns, particularly in childhood, up the risk, and just one blistering sunburn as a child or teen more than doubles your risk for melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Unless you live in Batman's underground lair or are a vampire, you're going to be in the sun at some point this summer. There are six easy ways to protect yourself. Everyone over six months old should follow these guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology:
- Choose a water resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
- Apply sunscreen generously at least 15 minutes before going outdoors.
- Apply sunscreen to all bare skin. Ask someone for help with hard-to-reach areas.
- Protect your scalp, too. If you don't want to apply sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Apply a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15 to protect your lips.
- Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours and after swimming or heavy sweating.
These tips from the Environmental Protection Agency will protect you further:
- Stay out of the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., if possible.
- Wear protective clothing.
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses to shield your eyes from harmful UV rays.