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Finally, the much-anticipated sunny days of summer are here! After months of waiting, it’s time to get outside and soak in the warmth. But before you step out, make the most of this season with practical tips to avoid common summertime health issues.
Winter in New Jersey is over, and the sunny days are here to stay. As temperatures climb and sunlight stretches into the evening hours, summer presents the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, as long as you watch out for the pitfalls.
At Hibari Family Medical, Dr. Chika Kuwama, Dr. Yukiko Oe, and Dr. Jessica Chow want to protect your family and their health year-round. To help you make the most of this sunny season, here are our expert tips to keep you and your loved ones healthy and happy all summer long.
The dark side of the sun
Even though the sun is a constant source of life and joy, it can also pose serious risks to your skin, regardless of your skin tone. Your skin’s melanin, the pigment responsible for your skin color, acts as a natural shield by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
This defense, however, has its limits. Though darker skin tones offer better protection against UV radiation than lighter skin, prolonged exposure can still cause harm. Alarmingly, skin cancers found in individuals with darker skin tones often go undetected in their early stages, potentially making treatment more challenging.
To safeguard your skin’s health, adopting effective sun protection practices is crucial. You can follow the “Slip! Slop! Slap! and Wrap” guideline:
- Slip on a protective shirt
- Slop on sunscreen with a high SPF
- Slap on a hat to shield your face and neck
- Wrap your peepers in sunglasses to protect them and the surrounding delicate skin
These practices are especially important during peak UV hours, typically between 10 am and 4 pm. Taking proactive steps today can help protect your skin tomorrow.
Hydration
When the summer months roll in, staying hydrated is essential. Spending time outside in the heat means you're losing moisture faster than during colder seasons. Prevent dehydration and fatigue by keeping your water intake consistent throughout the day.
A simple rule to follow is the 8x8 method, which recommends drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily.
Keeping bugs at bay
Warm weather often means more time outdoors, but it’s often accompanied by unwanted visitors like mosquitoes, bees, wasps, hornets, and ticks. Though you can’t avoid them entirely, a few simple precautions can reduce the chances of bites and stings:
- Use an insect repellent with 20-30% DEET before heading outside
- Cover exposed skin with lightweight clothing and wear a hat for added protection
- Be mindful of insects approaching from the grass, trees, or the air
If you do get stung, applying ice can help reduce swelling. However, if swelling persists, you develop hives, or a tick bites you and you're unsure how to remove it, give us a call for assistance.
Beware of dangerous plants
Summer vegetation means more greenery, but not all plants are innocent. Poison ivy, for example, is prevalent in many places, including urban parks, and can leave you with an irritating rash. Look for its distinctive clusters of three-pointed leaves, and avoid contact whenever possible.
Should you develop a rash, over-the-counter treatments can help, but reach out to us if symptoms worsen or show signs of infection.
Another potential culprit is stinging nettle, often found near water. Brushing against it can cause a sharp, stinging sensation. Fortunately, the discomfort usually subsides within minutes.
Don’t let bugs, sunburns, and dehydration spoil your summer. Stay safe with these practical tips and come see us if you run into summertime problems. Call Hibari Family Medical or book online for fast, friendly, expert family care.