Pros and Cons of Sunshine
After a cold, clammy winter and a dreary, soggy spring, it’s easy to wonder what could possibly be a “con” of sunshine. We yearn for it, feel liberated by it, and our bodies actually crave it to activate the production of vitamin D. That’s right, our bone builders need those rays of gold to get it into gear.
So Summertime is crucial! But here in North Texas, it can also be critical! Even though June isn’t considered the “Dog Days of Summer,” June 2008 sure is starting to feel rather doggish. Though it might be tempting to revel in the warmth of the weather, mid-90s is no picnic and even a short amount of exposure can lead to long hours of discomfort, troubles with complexion, and even illness.
Its important to get used to the sunshine in slow increments, rather than in marathon sessions. Young children are at an even greater risk because of their sensitive, delicate skin. Outdoor time for them should be before 10AM or after 3PM and always with sunscreen. Every childhood sunburn raises the risk of skin cancer, so proper and regular usage of sunscreen, including reapplication throughout the time of exposure, is vital.
Be careful in choosing your sunscreen. Each one will be labeled with an SPF (sun protection factor) which indicates how long a person can safely stay in the sun without being in danger of sunburn. For instance, most people with a medium skintone can use an SPF of 15 and stay out in the sun for about 2 1/2 hours. Fairer skin would require a higher SPF for the same amount of time, while darker skintone could use the SPF 15 and stay out for 5 hours before having any reaction.
It’s important to be proactive with suncare, rather than reactive. While it isn’t hard to apply sunscreen ahead of time, it is impossible to repair damage once it is already done. Further, once the skin has begun to turn the slightest tinge pink, the damage has already been done and the skin will continue to redden even after the sun exposure is over.
Hats are also a good way to protect against over-exposure to the sun. Not only will a wide brim give shade to the neck, ears, and shoulders, it will also cover the scalp itself. Even a full head of hair can’t always keep a scalp from getting burned, and a burned scalp is painful and troublesome. However, those who are sensitive to heat may wish to use an umbrella instead. Hats have a tendency to hold in the heat.
Speaking of heat, the hot, humid weather in Texas can lead anyone to drink (and drink and drink!) Make sure it is water! Old fashioned H2O is still the surest way to rehydrate yourself regularly. Sports drinks and electrolyte solutions are good in a pinch, but water is still the best. Make sure you drink every 30 minutes to avoid heat exhaustion.
So plan ahead, enjoy yourself, and be careful out there!
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