SUMMER FUN - NOT BURNS

Summer has arrived in Oklahoma which means it's time to have "fun in the sun!" Summertime fun can mean a lot of different things to people, but regardless the activity, one factor we must all consider is how to safely handle the sun and blistering heat. Geographically, most of Oklahoma is considered a subtropical climate with long, hot, humid summers. So here in Oklahoma, we "Okies" know what summer brings: big electric bills, exhausting heat, sun burns, long days, and early mornings. It also brings extended and expanded fishing opportunities, cook-outs, family vacations, gardening activities, increased farming and ranching production, and much more. We generally spend more time outdoors in the summer so it only makes sense to spend more time preventing sun burns and heat strokes! It isn't only outdoor recreational activities that puts us Okies at risk. In most cases farmers and ranchers are exposed to 2-3 times as much UV radiation as indoor workers? As we enter sunny weather, be mindful of your conditions in the field.

A long-planned summer goal of mine was to land a yellow fin tuna. This past April, I checked this goal off my list but it came at a great expense. In addition to the financial expense of our 2.5 hours chasing tuna in the open ocean, the greatest expense was the damage the gulf sun did to family's skin. The 30 seconds it would have taken to grab the sunscreen bag cost us an uber ride to a New Orleans Home Depot for Aloe plants, two emergency room visits, and a trip to the skin clinic. Two out of the six fishermen on board got second degree burns and although everyone has healed fine; this lack of prevention left a diminished mark on what was a fishing trip of a lifetime.

What can we do to prevent sun damage? There are many ways to protect our bodies against the damaging sun. One might think it would take just one time to learn when and how to take precautions, but it obviously doesn't. If it did, aloe vera gel sales wouldn't be what they are today.

Here are few simple steps to take when planning outside activities this summer:

1. Get at least eight hours of sleep.

2. Eat regular meals.

3. Avoid drinking energy drinks such as Monsters or Red Bulls.

4. Drink four waters to every one sports drink like Gatorade or Poweraid.

5. Wear sunscreen, and apply it regularly throughout your day.

6. Wear long sleeve, performance clothing, such as a fishing shirt along with a hat or head covering.

Of course there are many other ways to stay cool while enjoying the outdoors, but the main factors to consider are hydration and skin coverings. Go outdoors during different times of the day. Consider modifying your approach and fish early or late. Luckily for fishermen, low light conditions are more favorable in the heart of the summer. Consider starting your outdoor activities earlier. For those that aren't early risers harness your nocturnal side and see how alive the natural world is as we humans sleep!