|
Avoiding Sun and Heat Issues
Here Comes the Sun(burn)
Everyone loves a day in the sun, but spending too much time under those golden rays can leave you with a skin youd rather not be in. Prolonged sun exposure can cause premature aging and skin cancer, and in the short-term the sun can inflict a nasty burn, characterized by red skin, and in extreme cases, blisters. The boiled-lobster look went out with the deep, dark, St. Tropez tan--but luckily, with the proliferation of sun protection products, and a little common sense, sunburn prevention is a snap.
- Sunscreen. Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15 year-round, regardless of skin type. For the best protection, apply to dry skin 15 to 20 minutes before going outdoors, and ask a friend to assist with hard-to-reach areas. Apply liberally to all exposed areas of the body and dont forget ears, back of neck, bald spots, and even the part in your hair. Also, make sure your lip balm or lipstick contains sunscreen. Reapply after swimming (even waterproof sunscreens last only 80 minutes), perspiring, or towel drying. And remember, you can still burn on an overcast day; 80% of the suns rays filter through the clouds.
- Protective Clothing. Wear pants and/or long-sleeved shirts if the climate permits. Bring a broad-brimmed hat, and wear it! Hats keep the heat off your head, a good preventive measure for heat-related illnesses, and shade your face. The suns reflective powers are increased around sand, snow, and water, so invest in high-quality sunglasses if your vacation plans take you to the beach or the ski slopes.
- Take to the Shade. Avoid the sun between the peak hours of 10am to 4pm if possible and remember that sun-intensive hours vary according to latitude. If you think you might be getting burned, cover up or head inside. It can take up to 24 hours for the full effects of overexposure to appear. Some prescription antibiotics can make you more susceptible to sunburn--ask your doctor, and exercise caution if you are taking these medications.
- Treatment. Typical sunburns are first-degree burns characterized by red, warm skin. These burns usually heal within a few days and can be treated with cool baths, over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams, aloe gel, and aspirin. Protect skin while it heals by avoiding more exposure. The chief symptom of a more severe sunburn (or second-degree burn) is blistered skin. Seek medical attention if a large area is affected. If the burn is severe and accompanied by headache, chills, or fever, seek medical help right away.
Drink Up and Stay Cool
Summer is peak vacation season and also the time of year when many popular tourist destinations experience their hottest and most humid weather. Dehydration can occur in as little as 15 minutes for active travelers in very hot and humid climates. Mild dehydration is rarely life threatening but can lead to the more serious heat-related illnesses: heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are the most common victims of heat-related illnesses, but all travelers should familiarize themselves with the symptoms and treatments for these maladies. The good news is that dehydration and heat-related illnesses are 100% preventable.
- Dehydration. Prevent and treat dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. Water is the beverage of choice. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sodas, which defeat the purpose by acting as diuretics. Dont rely on thirst alone to tell you when you need to drink. Carry a water bottle on bus trips and walks, and wear loose, light-colored, absorbent clothing. Stay in cool, shaded areas, and wear sunscreen and a hat when direct sun exposure is unavoidable. Limit walking and other strenuous activities if you are feeling dehydrations ill effects. Symptoms of dehydration include dry lips and tongue, apathy and lack of energy, and muscle cramping. Not needing to urinate or passing very dark yellow urine is a danger sign. If left untreated dehydration can escalate into heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Heat Exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is caused by dehydration and salt deficiency. Drink plenty of fluids, acclimatize to the hot weather by limiting strenuous activities, and rest frequently during exercise. Symptoms include fatigue, lethargy, headaches, and muscle cramps, profuse sweating, paleness, weak-but-rapid pulse, fast yet shallow breathing, and fainting. Treat by cooling down the body as much as possible, as quickly as possible. Apply ice packs, cover the person with a wet sheet and point a fan or air conditioner in their direction, and offer nonalcoholic sugar- and caffeine-free drinks.
- Heat Stroke. Heat stoke is the failure of the bodys cooling system. Normally sweat lowers body temperature, but if sweat fails to evaporate, of if fluid intake hasnt kept up with fluid loss, heat production overwhelms the cooling system. Hot and humid weather, heavy exertion, direct sun exposure, and use of certain medications increase the risk of heat stroke. Painful muscle cramps, possibly accompanied by dizziness, fainting, weakness, or profuse sweating are the initial symptoms. Victims should stop activity immediately, lie down in the shade or air-conditioning if possible, and sip a cool drink. Second stage symptoms include cool, moist, and pale skin, headache, dizziness, blood pressure change, and nausea. The final life-threatening stage, which requires immediate medical attention, includes vomiting, loss of alertness, and a temperature as high as 105 degrees. Other severe symptoms include failure to sweat, rapid pulse, and delirium or confusion. After summoning help have the person lie down in a cool place, elevate their legs, loosen tight clothing, and remove any clothes that have become soaked with perspiration. Apply cool, wet cloths to the skin, or place ice packs at the armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin. Give fluids only if the person is conscious. If left untreated, heat stroke can cause seizures and kidney failure.
|
|
|
