By ERICIA RAINS
Contributing Writer
When most people think of Texas, they think about hot weather, and this year has been no exception.
Today is the first day of summer, and it has arrived with a vengeance.
“As of Monday, we’ve hit 100 degrees or higher five times. This year, we are about to enter into the top five years with the most days reaching 100 degrees or higher in June,” said Keith Stellman, meteorologist for the National Weather Service, People who work, play and stay in the sun should be thinking about their health, and the health of others. Children and elderly are the most likely to be affected by the heat.
The main problem the heat causes is dehydration.
“If you feel thirsty, chances are you’re already dehydrated,” said Dr. Eddy Furniss. “Men need at least 13 (8 oz.) glasses of water every day, women need at least nine, although pregnant women will need more, and sodas don’t count.”
Drinking water and staying hydrated is even more important if you’re exercising outdoors.
“If you feel thirsty, chances are you’re already dehydrated.” said Dr. Eddy Furniss
“Drink two (8 oz.) glasses of water about two hours before you go work out, then every 10-15 minutes drink about four ounces or half a cup of water at least,” said Furniss.
According to a Nacogdoches Medical Center spokeswoman, too much sun can cause skin cancer, eye problems, weakened immune system, prematurely aged skin or unsightly skin spots.
It is recommend to:
• Try to stay out of the sun when rays are strongest, typically from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Don’t be fooled by a cloudy day. Up to 80 percent of rays can penetrate even on an overcast day and reflect off water, sand and concrete.
• Wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants and a hat to cover the skin and protect against harmful UV rays.
• Apply a generous amount of broad spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher approximately 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. Remember your lips, hands, ears, feet, shoulders, behind your neck and top of your head if you don’t have much hair.
• Throw away suntan lotion that is past the expiration date or more than three years old.
• If around water or swimming, select waterproof or water resistant sunscreen that stays on skin longer.
However, you will still need to reapply sunscreen every two to three hours, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.
• Protect your eyes with sunglasses that offer 99 to 100 percent UV protection.
• Check if any medications can increase sun sensitivity, such as antibiotics or acne medications.
Sunscreen may not be able to protect skin from sun sensitivity caused by medications.
• If you use an indoor tanning bed, wear goggles and do not go over your time limit.
• Check your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer.
See your doctor if you notice anything unusual.
There are many signs of heat illnesses and if you experience them you should find shade, drink water slowly and if symptoms don’t improve seek medical attention.
The symptoms include:
• Muscle cramps • Heavy sweating • Weakness and dizziness • Nausea • Weak but rapid pulse • Headaches For more information you can visit
www.srh.noaa. gov or www.redcross.org
Ericia Rains can be reached at erains@dailysentinel.com
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Copyright © 2011 The Daily Sentinel, Nacogdoches, TX 06/21/2011 |