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How To Protect Yourself During A Heatwave

Health

Many parts of the world have been dealing with killer heat waves this summertime. Climate change has helped temperatures soar to nearly unbearable heights in recent years, and a lot of us are feeling the effects. Handling the rise in temperature and protecting you and your loved ones from the harmful effects of heat and sun exposure can be a challenge and often feels unnecessary and like a bit too much hassle. But don’t forget, it’s important to take this protection seriously to stay safe.

Why Do We Need To Protect Ourselves?

Finding the right balance between sun-exposure and protection isn’t easy. We need the sun to survive but it can be as destructive as it is revitalizing. The sunshine helps to regulate our sleeping patterns, reduces stress and depression symptoms, and even strengthens our bones. But being overexposed to the sun can be devastating too. The ultraviolet (UV) rays that come from the sun can cause eye damage, immune system suppression, serious skin damage, and skin cancer.

Essential Items To Keep You Safe

Finding the right products can be confusing, but there are just a few things you need to remember when preparing to go outside. First and foremost, you should get yourself a high quality, high SPF sun cream. At the very least, you should be wearing a value of 30 SPF to protect yourself against harmful UV rays. For prolonged exposure, such as a day at the beach, consider using something much higher, especially for young children. As well as sun cream, make sure you bring items that will give you direct shade from the sun, such as a beach parasol, and don’t forget to bring a light, airy shirt to reduce your exposure and avoid overheating, a hat to help protect from heatstroke and provide shade to your face and neck, and some sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Summertime Travels

As mentioned earlier, lots of countries are experiencing rising temperatures and unexpected heat waves. Even countries further north, such as Russia, are warning of a very hot summer after a record-breaking heatwave hit the country at the end of June. But don’t forget, even if you end up traveling to a colder country, it doesn’t mean the sun will be any less dangerous. Dubai, for example, hits temperatures well above 35°c and even 40°c. Just because the midday temperature in Paris sits at 25°c doesn’t mean that the harmful rays there aren’t still dangerous. Always keep an eye on the weather and plan accordingly—you can even be negatively affected by the sun when it’s behind cloud cover too.

Don’t Get Caught Out

The worst thing that can happen if you or a loved one is suffering from something like heatstroke is to be far away from any form of respite. Endeavour to be nearby somewhere that you can cool off, such as a shady area or building. Suffering from overexposure and not being able to rectify that problem can very quickly make those issues worse. Many people suffer from heat exhaustion and other illnesses after enjoying too much time in the sun. In some cases, people can be hospitalized, requiring treatment to handle symptoms. Stay alert and don’t lose track of time. Take regular breaks away from the sunshine.