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For most areas of Texas, April and May mark the cool transition to warmer summer months. In the Brazos Valley, summer is the time that jackets, sweaters, and boots find their way back to the closet, while pretty pastels and lighter fabrics make their way to the stage. Though you may be wanting to soak up all the sun that you can at South Padre Island or may want to spend the entire day outside exploring The Alamo over the course of the next couple weeks, there are some important safety precautions that should be taken to ensure that your body is protected from the heat and harmful ultraviolet sun rays.
Hydration Nation First and foremost, the best thing you can do to ensure your body is protected from the heat is to stay hydrated by drinking water. According to the Center for Disease Control, the standard suggestion is for every individual to drink six to eight cups of water every day. However, as the temperature outside rises, you should try to aim for higher amounts of water consumption to avoid dehydration. The best thing you can do is purchase a reusable water bottle that is easily transportable on all of your summer adventures, whether that be a day at the beach or a walk through your neighborhood park. Be proactive in staying hydrated with water and try to avoid sugary or caffeine-filled beverages as these will promote dehydration.
Plan Your Fun in the Sun Each and every day in the summer is a little bit different. Sometimes the temperature can dip as low as 53°F and other days the temperature can spike to 104°F. It is best not to be caught surprised or unaware of the latter, so always be sure to check the weather forecast before heading outside. Once you are outside, take precautions every couple of hours or so to head inside for a break from the sun and heat. You do not want to risk being stuck outside far from A/C when record temperatures hit in the afternoon, so make sure that plans give you an easy out from the outdoors.
Sunscreen is Your Best Friend
Growing up, many individuals are glad that their skin can pick up a tan easily. However, as those same individuals age, they come to find that they have learned about the hazards of sun exposure too late. According to NIH statistics, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer over their lifetime. To reduce your risk of skin damage from the sun, sunscreen should be applied daily, almost as if it is a moisturizer, to areas that are consistently exposed to the sun (face, arms, legs, ears, etc.). Some tips to help you remember to apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapply every two hours during exposure are to keep sunscreen in your purse or car for ease of access and to set alarms on your phone/watch to know when re-application is needed.
Recognize Signs of Heat-Related Illness and Use A/C Hopefully, the aforementioned tips will keep you safe during the heat, but just in case there comes a time when heat-related illness strikes, knowing the signs and symptoms of dehydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat syncope can be a life-saving opportunity for you or a loved one. If you or a loved one begin to experience any of the following in the heat, get to A/C and call 911 immediately. These symptoms include weakness, headache, muscle cramps, confusion, red-hot or dry skin, nausea or vomiting, inability to produce sweat, or fainting. For a complete listing of what to look for and what to do should heat-related illness strike, click here.
According to the Texas A&M Center for Population Health and Aging Co-Director Marcia Ory, “High temperatures and consistent sun exposure have the ability to be life-threatening, so stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and enjoy the beautiful State of Texas this summer.”
This commentary is brought to you by the Texas A&M Center for Population Health and Aging. CPHA strives to bring together stakeholders and partners from the community, clinical, and corporate sectors to address the needs of older adults. Working together, CPHA’s mission is to keep Texans “Active for Life®…Every one! Every age! Every day!” For more information about CPHA, visit www.cpha.tamhsc.edu.
