VISITING ANGELS GADSDEN, AL 256-507-0083
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Sun Safety Tips

Sun Safety Tips

Summer is almost here, which means more opportunities to get outside and enjoy the sun. While soaking up the sun feels great and can brighten your mood, you have to be careful about how much time you spend outdoors. Too much sun can cause complications such as dehydration and sunburn, but there are ways to minimize your risks with a few sun-safety tips.  

Risks of Too Much Sun 

There are benefits to spending time in the sun, but too much sun can be dangerous.  

  • Dehydration- Dehydration is when your body loses more fluids than it takes in. Symptoms of dehydration include a dry mouth, extreme thirst, less frequent urination, dark urine, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion. 
  • Sunburn- When your skin or other living tissue on your body is overexposed to ultraviolet light (usually from the sun), it causes sunburn. Sunburn causes a red or reddish rash on the skin that is painful to the touch. Sunburn can also cause fatigue and mild dizziness. 
  • Skin Cancer- There are four main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma. Your risk of developing skin cancer increases with sun exposure and tend to cause unusual moles or discoloration of the skin. If left untreated, skin cancer can be fatal.  

Staying Safe in the Sun 

Don’t let the risk of too much sun exposure scare you away from spending time outside. If you’re planning on enjoying the sun and warm weather this summer, be sure to follow these sun safety tips! 

Find a place with shade options 

If you’re enjoying a picnic or fishing by a pond, try to pick a spot with plenty of shade options. Having a place with shade to get away from the sun when you’re feeling too warm can help lower your body temperature. It also helps block some of the harmful ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn and skin cancer. If you’re unable to find natural shade, create artificial shade with a large umbrella or popup tent.  

Wear protective clothing and gear 

The sun can cause harm to your body, even on cooler days. For days when the sun is out but temperatures a lower, consider wearing long pants and shirts to protect your skin. Make sure the fabric is light and breathable to avoid overheating. Wearing a hat is also suitable for keeping your face and neck free from too much sun exposure. And don’t forget your eyes! Make sure to wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from possible sun damage.  

Use Sunscreen  

Anytime you’re outside, you should wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Find a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and reapply at least every two hours to any exposed skin. Facial sunscreen is a must and should be something you consider as part of your daily routine. However, even if you’re wearing an SPF facial cream or makeup, it’s still important to reapply when your out in the sun, especially if you’re sweating or swimming.  

Stay Hydrated 

Too much time in the sun or heat can cause dehydration and heatstroke. Reduce your chances of dehydration by keeping yourself hydrated. Whenever you go outside, make it a habit to bring a water bottle with you. To understand how much water you should drink, the Mayo Clinic suggests taking your weight, dividing it by 2.2, multiplying it by your age, and dividing that number by 28.3. That number is the ounces of water you should aim to drink per day.  

If you or an aging loved one loves spending time in the sun but needs assistance with sun safety, the team at Visiting Angels Gadsden, Alabama is happy to help. Our caregivers can help seniors apply sunscreen, make sure they’re wearing proper sun attire, and drinking enough water. Visiting Angels caregivers also provide light housekeeping, transportation, personal grooming, medication reminders, meal preparation, and more. Our Gadsden office serves those in Blount, Marshall, Etowah, and the surrounding areas. To learn more about our services, you can contact us online or give us a call at 256.507.0083.

Serving Blount, Marshall, Etowah Counties and the surrounding areas

Visiting Angels GADSDEN, AL
815 Riverbend Dr #A
Gadsden, AL 35901
Phone: 256-507-0083

Serving Blount, Marshall, Etowah Counties and the surrounding areas

Visiting Angels GADSDEN, AL
815 Riverbend Dr #A
Gadsden, AL 35901
Phone: 256-507-0083