How to Summerproof Yourself

Between the gardening, backyard barbequing, vacations, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities, it’s easy to forget about protection from prolonged heat exposure.
The following tips will help you; when the sun’s blazing on, you’ll still be going strong!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lightweight, light-colored clothing (I personally recommend 100% cotton or one of the newer fabric blends that wick away perspiration)
• Wide-brimmed hats
• Optional item: an umbrella or parasol (I think this means “for sun”)
• A portable bottle for water or juice (I carry mine in my lunch bag or purse)
• Sunscreen lotion, ointment, cream, etc.
• Fruit and vegetables
• Soup or broth
• A nearby bathroom (side effects of drinking more water)

1. 
    

   1. DRINK AND USE WATER REGULARLY-I saved one of those commercial “spring water” bottles and now use it regularly year-round. It’s easily washable, and small enough to fit right into a standard brown paper lunch bag (or purse), yet it’s absolutely perfect for my water needs when I’m out. I fill the bottle up at work (water fountains or tap water in a pinch) throughout the day. At home, I keep a large thermo mug of water with me once the chores are done and drink from it regularly. Even if you’re not thirsty, take a few sips every so often-it’ll avoid dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
   Bear in mind that because of increased water intake, you may need access to a nearby bathroom. Sometimes it’s a pain, but the “end result” rinses out your system and gives you the cleanest urine in town!
   Drinks containing caffeine, sugar, or alcohol should be avoided, but I know that there are many of you that consume several cans of pop or soda a day, or can drink coffee from sunup to sundown and beyond. I would just advise to perhaps balance that out by alternating with water. As for daily alcohol intake, no further comment.
   Eating fruit and vegetables (high water content) and soup or broth are other good ways to stay hydrated. If you’re on medication, check with your doctor to see if any of them are diuretics (tending to increase urine flow; water draining).
   
   And don’t forget to also moisturize your skin. When there are hot days ahead, put your lotions or skin creams in the fridge overnight or for a few days. It’ll instantly cool you down!Go swimming (Or just wade around in shallow water and splash some on yourself) at the beach (lake or other bodies of water), the Y, or a backyard pool. Or you can even just take a sturdy paper towel or washcloth, wet it with cool water and just pat your face and neck.....You’re quite welcome!

2. 
    

   WEAR LIGHT CLOTHING-And also wear more light-colored ones (Darker colors tend to absorb the heat), if possible. If you’re going to do hats, go for wide brims. Use an umbrella or parasol for extra protection (especially if you’re going to be sitting out in the sun for a while). I would also recommend wearing looser, flowing clothes (How do you think people living in the desert stay cool?).

3. 
    

   DON'T DO STRENUOUS ACTIVITY-If you really need to do something intense, try to do it during the coolest time of day-in the morning between 4am-7am.
   If these hours aren't good for you, just try to pace yourself; don't work up a sweat!

4. 
    

   PROTECT YOUR SKIN-Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and UVB protection before any outdoor activity.
   During 10 am.-4 pm., try to stay out of the sun (UV rays are at their peak during these hours). Reapply sunscreen regularly (after swimming and exercising, in particular).

[luv2blog]

on 7/14/2008 Very well written. 5*****!

[acole]

on 7/14/2008 Good tips. Water is important.