The Summer Sun Is Here: How To Handle The Heat

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Posted by Prescription Hope - See Editorial Guidelines (Last Updated On: Mon Feb 13 2023)

Summer is coming fast, and the heat is coming even faster. In this blog, we will talk about how you can make sure that you are protected from the harmful effects of UV rays when you’re outside in the sun and give you some tips to staying cool inside the house while temperatures are increasing this summer.

Today, skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. Nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer every year in the United States, which is why it’s so important to protect yourself from the sun. There are benefits and risks of sun exposure. Small amounts of UV rays are good for us. It creates vitamin D, which absorbs calcium. Our bodies need calcium to build and maintain healthy bones. However, too much exposure to the sun can be harmful and lead to things like early aging, lowered immune system, eye injuries, and skin changes like moles and freckles which can lead to cancer. It doesn’t matter how old you are or what color your skin is, anyone who spends time outside in the sun is at risk of overexposure. Your risk increases based on length and depth of exposure, but individuals with fair skin or with moles should use caution because they are already at a greater risk.

If you are planning on being outside in direct sunlight for long periods of time this summer, here are a few things to consider to prevent the harmful effects of the sun.

• Use Sunscreen – With sunscreen, the higher the SPF the more protection you will get from UV rays. The FDA recommends that you use SPF 15 or higher, even on cloudy days. When using sunscreen it is important to apply it to any part of the skin that is exposed, as well as reapplying every 2 hours. If you are sweating or swimming, you may need to reapply more often.
• Clothing – Your clothes can provide great protection from the sun. If possible, wear long sleeve shirts and pants to protect yourself from the suns harmful UV rays. Darker colored clothes are usually more protective than lighter colors, and a wet shirt is less protective than a dry one. Keep in mind that a typical t-shirt has an SPF rating lower than 15, so you will want to use other types of protection as well.
• Sunglasses – They protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, which can lead to cataracts later in life. When looking for sunglasses, look for a pair that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
• Seek Shade – The sun’s harmful UV rays are the strongest during the middle of the day, from about 10 am to 4 pm. If you are going to be outside this summer between those times, try to stay in the shade as much as possible – under a tree, an umbrella, or any covered area out of the sun. Wearing a hat is also a good way to shade your face, scalp, ears, and neck.
• Hydration – The best way to stay hydrated during the summer is good old-fashioned water! We have all heard that 8 glasses of water per day is typically a good amount to consume, but if you plan on being outside in the hot sun you may want to drink more. Also, keep in mind that you will need to drink more water if you are consuming dehydrating drinks like coffee or alcohol.

On the other hand, if you are going to be spending most of your time indoors this summer, here are a few tips to making sure your home stays cool without running up your utility bill.

• Cover Up Windows – It sounds simple, but if the sun is coming through the windows, it is going to make your house warm. You can keep your home cooler by getting blinds or shades for windows that let lot’s of light in.
• Set Fans To Rotate Counter-Clockwise – Doing this will help move the warmth away from the room. In turn, you will feel cooler. Reversing the rotation of the blades will push the warmth to the ceiling instead of blowing it to your direction.
• Open Windows At Night – During the summer months, temperatures may drop during the night. If this is the case where you live, make the most of these refreshing nighttime hours by cracking the windows before you go to bed. If you have windows on both sides of the house that can be opened, you can create a draft of cool air going through your home.
• Put A Bucket Of Ice Next To A Fan – This may sound strange, but trust us on this one. If you don’t have enough air conditioning units in your home, this is an easy fix on a hot summer day. Simply prop a bucket of ice up next to a fan. The fan will bounce off the ice, creating even colder air for you to enjoy.
• Air Conditioning – If you have A/C, the smoother and more efficient it runs, the better it will cool your house when you need it. Installing a programmable thermostat can help this process, rather than having to mess with the temperature every morning and evening. Summer temperature recommendations are as follows: 75 degrees, +/- 1-2 degrees, during the hours that you’re home (the warmer the setting, the more energy efficient; energy.gov recommends 78 degrees), and 80 degrees, +/- 1-2, during hours you’re away. Sleeping: it’s well-researched that people sleep better when it’s cooler, so if there’s a time to crank the AC a little bit, the overnight hours might work best for you.

With summer approaching fast, the tips above can help you stay cool and keep the utility bill low whether y0u have air conditioning or not.