What everyone should know during hot temps and high UV Indexes

It's been a blistering hot summer! SPF wants everyone, including parents of young children to be informed about the dangers of high temperatures and UV index levels. During times like this, people tend to be more likely to use sun protective clothing and/or sunscreens to protect themselves and their family from a painful sunburn. That should not be the only reason anyone should protect themselves and loved ones from the sun.

Here are some quick facts and tips to help you and your family stay protected during this heat wave we’ve experienced across the country.

FACTS & TIPS FOR THIS HOT SUMMER

Children who experience more than one blistering , may double their lifetime risk of developing melanoma, which is responsible for 70% of skin cancer deaths per year. Five or more sun burns per year can double a person’s risk of developing skin cancer.

UV exposure accelerates the oxidation process of the body that creates free radicals that damage skin cells resulting in premature aging, wrinkles, leathery and sagging skin.

You can sunburn in as little as 15 minutes, in a UV Index rating of 9, which we have seen across America in the heat wave we recently experienced. Typically, you can get a sunburn in 30 minutes with a UV index between 4-7, so it's important to be aware of the UV Index rating. You can check your area's UV Index Rating here.

Peak hours for sun exposure are between 10AM – 4PM. If you have to go out or you work outside, be sure to wear sun protective clothing, a wide brimmed hat (with a UPF rating) and polarized sunglasses. You can eliminate the need to wear sunscreen by doing so, and apply it only where your skin is exposed. Another good way to tell if you have to protect your skin, is to check for your shadow. If you don’t see your shadow, then you should be wearing sun protective clothing, wearing sun screen, seeking shade or simply stay out of the sun.

Water and sand reflect the sun’s UV Rays. (Even snow in the winter time will reflect the sun and you can get sunburned.) Be sure to use caution when you are at the beach by using sun protective clothing, swimwear and a wide brimmed hat is a great way to protect yourself. Finding an area that has shade is always a good idea or bring a beach umbrella to provide some additional relief from the sun.

Medications can be another factor you should pay attention to, you might be taking an over the counter medication that causes sensitivity to the sun or even a prescription drug. Some common ones are medications for: Acne, heart disorders, antibiotics, diabetics, psychiatrics, anti-fungals, antihistamines. Here is a more comprehensive list from WebMD.

Tanning beds are no different than being out in the sun. The UV light from tanning beds will also cause premature aging, leathery skin, age spots, and accelerates the oxidation process. You may want to consider using a self tanner, and be sure to wear protective clothing and apply sun screen to any exposed areas of the skin.

Use antioxidants, Vitamin C and Vitamin D are both antioxidants that stabilize free radicals that are formed from the oxidation process. They become unstable, split and attack healthy cells trying to steal am electron in order to stabilize. Sun exposure accelerates the oxidation process and the production of free radical cells. Antioxidants donate a cell to free radicals, because they are stable in either form. Free radicals are believed to be the root cause of most, if not all known diseases, illnesses and ailments.

Protect your eyes, the sun can and will cause damage to your eyes such as cataracts. We recommend you wear polarized sunglasses that wrap around your head to provide the fullest extent of protection available.

Be wary of heat exhaustion in hot weather and high UV Indexes. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: Dehydration (thirst), cramps, dizziness, nausea, skin feels damp, weakness, feel like you can't cool off. 

CALL 911 if you believe you or someone else has heat stroke it can kill, symptoms include:

Confusion, dizziness, elevated heart rate, elevated blood pressure, severe nausea and vomiting, unconsciousness or inability to remain awake and/or focuses. 

Web MD's guide to heat exhaustion treatment

Treatment of heat exhaustion and heat stroke until help arrives-

Get to a cooler environment as soon as possible

Drink cold fluids

Apply ice packs to the groin, armpits, and feet

Take a cold shower, or use a garden hose to cool the bodies temperature down

Source Information:
www.webmd.com
www.epa.gov/sunwise
www.theozonehole.com/UVindex