June 2oth is summer solstice and marks the beginning of summer, but for us here in the south the sun has been burning hot for a while now!
At Alpha Wellness Lab we want all our patients, readers, friends and loved ones to have a safe, happy and fun filled summer!
So, in light of the beginning of a brand-new summer season we would love to share some valuable tips!
Take Care of Your Skin
First on the check list for having a safe and healthy summer is skin protection!
Wearing sunscreen when exposed to the sun for long periods and limiting sun exposure is the best way to protect your skin's health and prevent premature aging.
Sun exposure risks can include:
Skin cancer: UV rays from the sun can damage skin cells and cause DNA mutations that may lead to skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor) can significantly reduce your exposure to these damaging rays. Broad spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays. You should apply sunscreen to your entire body, including your ears, neck, hands, feet, and behind your knees.
Premature aging: Years of sun damage can cause wrinkles and make you look older than you are. The Skin Care Foundation estimates that 90% of aging is due to sun exposure.
Sunburns: UVB rays are a major cause of sunburn.
Other skin damage: Sunscreen can also help prevent hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and melasma.
It's important to liberally apply sunscreen and allow 15-30 minutes for it to absorb before exposing your skin to the sun and water. Most sunscreens need to be reapplied every 2 hours when outside in the sun and more often if exposed to water or sweat.
Stay Cool
The summer heat can be brutal especially here in the south. It's really important to stay as cool as possible this summer to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion or stroke. Heat exhaustion is when the body overheats and loses to much water and salt, usually through sweating.
Follow the simple tips below to keep cooler this summer:
Stay hydrated: Drink water before you feel thirsty, especially if you are outside or exercising. Incorporating sports drinks with added salts and minerals will help replenish the body. Avoid caffeine and limit alcohol as both can dehydrate you
Keep your skin cool: Wet your skin with a spray bottle, damp sponge, or cool shower. You can also try placing cold washcloths or ice packs on your neck, wrists, or feet.
Wear light clothing: Choose loose-fitting, light-colored, and breathable clothing. When you sleep, use a breathable cotton sheet.
Find shade: Limit your time in direct sunlight especially during the hours of 3-6 PM which tends to be the hottest time of day
Limit physical activity: Avoid strenuous activities, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Eat light meals: Eat foods that are high in water content, like strawberries, celery, cucumber, and lettuce, or foods that are high in fluid content, like soups and stews.
Look out for symptoms of heat exhaustion like pale and clammy skin, heavy sweating, fast and weak pulse, elevated body temperature, increased thirst, fast and shallow breathing, muscle cramps, headache nausea and or vomiting, confusion, fainting.
If you suspect you or anyone else is experiencing heat exhaustion or stroke you should move to cool place, remove unnecessary clothing, circulate air and drink some water. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Practice Water Safety
With the temps rising nothing feels better than jumping in a cold pool on a hot day. Whether you are cooling off in a pool, a lake or the ocean, practicing water safety can save a life.
Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional deaths worldwide and there are an estimated 236,000 drowning deaths per year worldwide. Drownings also account for 7% of all injury-related deaths.
No matter how you're enjoying the water this summer remember these simple but life saving tips from the American Red Cross:
Take these sensible precautions when you’re around water (even if you’re not planning to swim):
Know your limitations, including physical fitness, medical conditions.
Never swim alone; swim with lifeguards and/or water watchers present.
Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket appropriate for your weight and size and the water activity. Always wear a life jacket while boating, regardless of swimming skill.
Swim sober.
Understand the dangers of hyperventilation and hypoxic blackout.
Know how to call for help.
Understand and adjust for the unique risks of the water environment you are in, such as:
River currents.
Ocean rip currents.
Water temperature.
Shallow or unclear water.
Underwater hazards, such as vegetation and animals.
We wish all our patients a happy, healthy and safe summer! We are still here for all your weight-loss, hormone and IV hydration needs!
