Sunburn You cannot get more summer safety basics 101 than sunscreen. With over 3.5 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed a year; anyone living in Texas should know to wear sunscreen—every day, everywhere-not just in the summer or on vacation. Lightweight, daily sunscreens should be used in your daily regimen; but when outdoors for any extended period of time, or when around water, go with a heavier sunscreen that is water proof/resistant and be sure to reapply it every two hours. Doctors recommend using at least a SPF 30, which blocks 97% of UVB rays (SPF 15 blocks 93% and SPF 50 blocks 98%). However, if you have a family history of skin cancer, or are vacationing in the tropics or anywhere where the sun is intense (anywhere in Texas) go for an SPF 50 or 70.
Bee Stings
Leaving open cans of soda or other sugary drinks outside can lead to a real summer buzz kill. Bees and wasps love sugar and they will crawl right into your drink when you’re not paying attention. The next time you pick it up to take a drink, you’re going to get a stinger sip. Other bee attractants to avoid when outdoors is wearing sweet smelling perfumes, colorful bright clothes—tone it down with pastels, and any standing water in children’s wading pools, birdbaths, etc.
Dehydration
Pour me another one... water, that is. During the summer, it is critical to replenish your body with water. If you are sweating excessively, and losing too much fluid too fast, it can cause your heart rate to increase in an effort to try to compensate for the loss of fluids. A high heart rate then starts to constrict your blood pressure and the amount of blood flow it pumps to your vital organs—including the brain. If the blood flow is reduced too much, for too long, it can eventually cause organ failure, coma, or even death. Symptoms of dehydration include muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and heart palpitations. So this summer remember to keep it flowing!
Poison Ivy
Act like a tree and leaf it alone! And remember, it’s not just in the woods. Poison ivy and poison oak can pop anywhere, even in your own backyard. If you do happen into any of it, it is critical that you immediately wash the contact area thoroughly with soap and water before your skin absorbs its oils. Clothing, hats, and other items that touch the plant also need to be washed, otherwise it will remain in the fibers and re-contaminate you the next time you wear it. Look up this plant and learn how to identity it so you can avoid this three-leaf terror. If you do get a rash, treat it with either hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or a diphenhydramine cream like Benadrl to relive the itching and swelling. texappealmag.com
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