Discover the health benefits of sun exposure and find the safest way to enjoy your time in the sun

As families gear up and head to the beach or prepare their backyard BBQ for Memorial Day weekend, it is important to remember that health and safety come first. Discover the healthiest and safest way to enjoy your time in the sun.

It is important to note that protection from sun exposure is needed year-round, not just for a certain season or weather. It can be completely cloudy outside, and you still face a risk of health complications from sun exposure.

Protect Yourself From The Sun

Sun Safety: Skin

Spending time in the sun can be great for overall health – it reduces stress, promotes physical activity, and increases vitamin D intake. However, protection from the sun’s UV rays, or the radiation is extremely important.

Overexposure to UV light rays damage skin cells, putting you at risk for sunburn, skin aging, or even skin cancer. Skin cancer diagnoses are rising rapidly, with one in five Americans being diagnosed in their lifetime.

How to Protect Your Skin in The Sun

• Stay in the shade or under something when outside
• If possible, wear clothes that protect you from sun rays like long-sleeved shirts, wet t-shirts, or dark colors
• Wear a hat
• Apply a thick layer of broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF of 15 or higher) to exposed skin, and remember that sunscreen works best when paired with the other protection options

*Check out the FDA sunscreen policy*

Sun Safety: Eyes

It is extremely hard to avoid contact with UV rays, being they are reflected everywhere. Sunlight can be reflected off the marble ground or sand at the beach. This reflection has proven extremely damaging to eyesight and increases the risk of developing eye disease.

Protecting your eyesight with the appropriate sunglass is one of the only ways to ensure limiting the rays effect on your eyes.

How to Protect Your Eyes From The Sun with Glasses

• Have a UV 400 rating, or say 100% UV protection
• Make sure that you do not only buy for style or price (Dark or expensive lenses do not always mean UV protection)
• Tinted lenses do not always mean UV protection

Sun Safety: Hydration

Whether gardening after work or attending spring practice after school, many people are outside during peak sunlight hours. During these hot days and long periods under the sun, hydration is a major cause for concern. As your body is sweating and losing water, it is important to replenish the body with water and electrolyte intake.

Physical activity outside under the bright sun rays puts anyone at risk for extreme dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heatstroke. The only way to keep the body safe is by staying completely hydrated.

Signs of a Heatstroke:

• Confusion and dizziness
• Trouble or rapid breathing
• Extreme nausea
• Rapid pulse
• Unconsciousness

It is important to note that heatstroke is a very dangerous condition. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, NW Indiana ER & Hospital is open 24/7/365 to provide advanced and expert services that get you and your loved ones quickly feeling better. From heat exhaustion to severe skin burns, our team of expert physicians is equipped to provide exceptional care to handle any situation. Come on in – your neighborhood hospital is here to help!

Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, NW Indiana ER & Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinicians.