High temperatures combined with high UV index may pose a health hazard. However, attention to seemingly minor details may reduce the risk drastically.
- When the temperatures outside are high, make sure you spend most of your time in closed, cool or air-conditioned premises.
- The UV index is at its highest between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm. Early morning and late afternoon hours are far more suitable for outdoor activities such as walking, sports, or gardening.
- Sun protection is everyone’s business nowadays and it must become an inevitable part of your daily routine during the summer season, regardless of whether you are walking or working outside, sitting on your balcony, a beach or outside in a café. Wear appropriate clothes to protect from the sun, including a hat. Use sunblock to protect surfaces of your skin exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Don’t forget that your eyes need protection too and make sure you have your sunglasses on.
- It is recommended to use a high SFP sun block upon first exposure to the sun. To maintain its efficiency, apply it repeatedly, once every two hours. Reapply after exposure to water. Since harmful UV rays easily penetrate the clouds, the sunblock should be used even if it’s cloudy outside.
- Children’s skin is very sensitive to sun and therefore requires the best protection available. Babies and young children should never be directly exposed to the sun. A child over two years of age may be exposed to the sun over relatively brief period of time, but during the period when UV index is at its highest, exposure should be avoided.
- You should keep yourself well hydrated and avoid drinks which contain high concentrations of alcohol or sugar. Although most people dislike excessive sweating, it effectively reduces body temperature and helps your body cool down. Insufficient water intake may cause the body to lose too much liquid due to sweating, which may lead to circulatory problems. In addition, sweating will cause the body to lose the important minerals and electrolytes, which should be supplemented.
- Hard to digest, high-calorie, high-fat and spicy food should be avoided during this season. We advise against skipping breakfast. Preference should be given to easily digestible food for lunch and dinner. Keep you food refrigerated and make sure you thoroughly wash fruit and vegetable before you eat it.
- Body’s ability to protect from the heat reduces with age. Circulatory problems are more frequent among older persons and the essential minerals get out of balance more easily. When the outside temperatures are high, proper hydration may do wonders. Older persons do not feel thirsty as much, which is why more attention should be paid to proper hydration, making sure that water intake is not dictated by the feeling of thirst.
- You should never leave your children or your pets alone in the car. To reduce the heat, open doors to allow adequate ventilation prior to entering a car.
- If you use medication, check with your physician or your pharmacist if sun exposure is safe for you.
