By WMBD TV
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — In the summer, the sun can pose real dangers if the proper precautions are not taken.
The McLean County Health Department is offering some tips to keep you and your children safe while out enjoying the summer.
Sunscreen is the most important thing when planning to be in the sun. Wearing one with a 30 SPF or higher will help protect your skin from burns.
“You also want to make sure that you apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before any outdoor activity or activity in the sunlight. If you don’t apply sunscreen, once you’re out in the sun, you want to apply it before. That way, it has time to absorb into your skin,” said Kayla Cook, emergency preparedness coordinator at the department.
If sunscreen isn’t available, wearing clothes that cover your skin, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and staying in the shade can all help you avoid becoming sunburnt. Sunburns can lead to skin cancer if proper precautions are not taken.
“When you get a sunburn, it does damage to your skin and different layers of your skin, causing cells to sort of build up. Because of those cells, during the healing process, sometimes there’s just something in the skin that causes the cancer to be kind of triggered,” Cook said.
Planning an event outside around the sun is also smart. From noon to one p.m. is the hottest time of the day. Planning events for later in the evening or early in the morning can help prevent sunburn and other heat-related illnesses.
For children, keeping them hydrated and out of the sun for long periods of time will keep them safe. Water and some sports drinks can keep you hydrated. Sweating will make you lose key minerals and electrolytes, which can cause issues.
“Make sure that you’re keeping your children hydrated. Make sure that the children also have sunscreen on. Avoid vigorous activity if they’re pre-teens or teens and have sports activities outside, try and reschedule those activities for the cooler parts of the day, like the evening,” Cook said.
Keep in mind that some medications, like antidepressants, can increase your risk in the sun. Talk with your doctor about your concerns to make a plan to keep yourself safe.
WMBD TV first reported this story. You can read the original story online at CIProud.com.
