We all love to be outside, and during the summer we spend more time outside than inside! Being outside exposes us to the sun's rays, the heat, and the bugs. Learning how to protect yourself from those things will not only help you have a more enjoyable time, but it will keep you healthier!
Wear Sunscreen!
Sunscreen is something you should never forget when spending lots of time outside! Sunscreen is so important because it protects you from getting sun burned! Not only are sunburns painful, but they can even cause health problems later in life! Wear at least SPF 15 and reapply every 30-40 minutes. Remember, when your swimming, the lotion doesn't last as long. Also, the sun reflects off the water and can burn your more quickly. Wear some sunscreen, and enjoy yourself without worrying about getting burned!
Drink Water!
When you are outside, in the sun, you will get dehydrated very quickly! Being dehydrated can be a very serious health problem if not taken care of right away. Your best bet is to prevent it from even happening! Drink lots of water ( plain water, other drinks don't count) before, during and after your time outside to protect yourself from becoming dehydrated! Signs of dehydration include headaches, thirst, fatigue, dizziness, rapid breathing and constipation. Drinking lots of water will help you stay safe and healthy in the summer heat!
Find Some Shade!
Staying outside all day long might seem like a lot of fun, but it isn't the healthy thing to do. Long exposer to the sun and heat can cause your body to be come dehydrated, fatigued and can even cause heat stroke! Find time to spend in the shade or inside for your body to cool down and to get a break from the sun. Also, wearing sunglasses and a sun hat can help keep your body cool and protect from the sunrays. While being outside is a blast, spending time in the shade keeps your body healthy!
Bug Repellent
Bugs are annoying and their bites can be painful. They can turn a fun family picnic or pool party into a uncomfortable experience! Applying bug spray, lighting citronella candles in the area, and keeping food and drinks covered up will help with the bugs and help to make your experience much more enjoyable! If you aren't keen on the idea of chemical-filled bug sprays, there are lots of natural options out there!
Pet Safety
While keeping yourself safe in the summer is important, you shouldn't forget about your animal friends! They same rules that apply to humans apply to animals as well! Make sure you provide plenty of water and shade and NEVER leave them in a hot car or direct sunshine. Keeping your pets safe in the summer is just as important as keeping yourself safe!
Wear Proper Clothing
Wearing the right kinds of clothes can make your outdoor activities so much more enjoyable! Lose, light weight and light colored clothes are the best. Dark colors attract the sun's rays while light colors repel them. Lose clothing allows your skin to breath and helps to keep your cool! Make sure you are wearing the right thing when you are outside to keep you cool and comfortable!
Don't Over Do It
In the summer, the heat and sun can be brutal. It is important to know when enough is enough. Exercising, working or just playing in the heat and sun can be dangerous if you don't know how to protect yourself and when to call it quits. Don't spend more than an hour outside without some water, sunscreen, and spending time in the shade.
I hope this blog post is helpful and keeps you and your family safe this summer! Everyone wants to have a fun time outside, celebrating and playing, but its important to keep yourself safe and healthy too! Take time to plan and prepare and keep yourself safe and your outdoor fun will never be ruined or interrupted!
Please share this blog and this post with your friends and family to help keep them safe and to spread the love of a healthy lifestyle!
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Happy 4th of July!
Stay Healthy, Happy and Laughing!
H. Banana
