Safety Tips During Summer Sun Safety Month

August is Summer Sun Safety Month. Learn more through taking this quiz.

Summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy being with friends and family. From swimming to boating to picnics in the park, it’s a time for fun in the sun. But with more time outside and around water, there are some important things to be mindful of to keep you and your family healthy and safe.

Here are a few tips to enjoy your summer safely:

Avoid Sunburn - The best way to prevent skin damage from UV rays is to avoid the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest. But that’s almost impossible in the summer so it’s important to apply sunscreen—and to reapply it as necessary. The last thing you want is a nasty sunburn to ruin your vacation. Plus, you don’t want to increase your long-term chances of developing skin cancer.

Hydrate with Water  – When out and about and having fun, you can easily forget to stay hydrated. The combination of increased activity and increased heat can really boost the chances of dehydration. Remember to consume water regularly throughout the day and more if you are active or exposed to the heat of the summer sun. No need for those sugary sports drinks loaded with all those extra calories and preservatives. Good clean water is all you need!

Respect the Water – Speaking of water, make sure to practice basic safety around pools, lakes, and the ocean. Keeping a careful eye on kids is critical. Wear life jackets when on watercraft and always swim with at least one other buddy who can watch out for you.

Creepy Crawly Things – Enjoying nature is a big part of summer fun. However, try not to bring home any hitchhikers, such as ticks and mosquitoes, which carry a variety of undesirable diseases such as West Nile Virus (mosquitoes) and Lyme disease (ticks). Make sure to wear insect repellent and check your body from head to toe for ticks each evening if you live in an area where Lyme disease is prevalent.

Car Safety – Vehicles can become ovens in the summer. Never leave children or pets in the car alone under any circumstances! Even in modest heat, cars get much hotter than the outside temperature. Plan ahead so you don’t need to leave anyone in the car at any moment.

Keeping these few tips in mind should help to make summer safer!

Learn more on the American Cancer Society website.