Hurray the sun is out – have fun BUT PLEASE BE CAREFUL
We have already in a previous blog (see link here), talked about the use of sunscreen, but as the heat has recently cranked up in the last few days we thought that we should remind you to “SLIP, SLOP, SLAP” as they do in Australia.
When out in the sun, SLIP on a shirt or t-shirt, preferably cotton which allows the skin to breath & reduces sweating, and in a light colour which reflects the heat and keeps you cooler. ITS FOR REAL, the guy in the white t-shirt will ACTUALLY be cooler than the guy in the black one!
SLOP on the sun cream and we mean slop it on. Studies have shown that most people only put 25% of the amount of sunscreen on that they should. The average adult will need 2 tablespoons (60ml) or a shot glass full of sun cream to cover their body. There is no point in skimping on this.
REMEMBER – Sun Burn is a radiation burn and one bad burn may cause a malignant melanoma (the worst form of skin cancer), later in life.
SLAP on a hat. This will keep you cool, protect the eyes and prevent sun burn on the scalp, back of the neck and tops of the ears. A lot of people, especially small kids and the elderly may have a thin cover of hair and the scalp can burn very easily.
However on very hot days, it is not just a case of plenty of sunscreen and you are good to go all day long! Re-apply every 2 hours and after swimming.
HEAT STROKE or sun stroke will occur when the body heats up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or 40 degrees Celsius. It can be serious, even fatal. Prevent this by;
-Staying out of the sun between 11am to 3pm.
-Drink plenty of cool drinks.
-Wear a hat.
-Stay in the shade.
-Close the curtains in sunny rooms during the day.
-Leave the windows open at night for sleeping.
-A plant sprayer can become your new best friend. Spray a fine mist of water over you, the kids, the dog….and anyone who looks too hot! Great to have in the car for the kids in the back. Spray hats and t-shirts and as they dry out, the evaporation of the water will cool you down.
-Athletes – run in the morning or in the evening, not in the high heat hours.
Signs of serious heat stroke are;
-Throbbing headache,
-Dizziness,
-Oddly enough – a lack of sweating,
-Nausea,
-Vomiting,
-Rapid breathing,
-Rapid heart rate,
-Confusion & stumbling.
If someone has Heat Stroke symptoms;
-Call a doctor or emergency services.
-Cool the patient down by removing tight clothing, moving them to a shaded area,
-Soaking them & their clothing with cool water,
-Fanning them,
-If they are conscious and able enough get them to drink a cool drink.
SO GET OUT THERE AND ENJOY YOURSELVES – just take care of yourself and those around you.
BE SMART & SAFE IN THE SUN!
