With warmer weather and more time on our hands, many of us are looking forward to enjoying our summer activities. Whether planning a beach vacation or just taking a walk, it’s important to take certain precautions. Here are seven quick tips to keep you healthy all summer long.
1. Prevent heat exposure.
Do outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day, like early mornings and evenings. If you start feeling overheated or dizzy, move into a cooler location with shade.
2. Sun safety.
Apply sunscreen to all your uncovered areas and reapply often. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Look for sunscreens that say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels and avoid sunscreens that contain harmful chemicals like benzene.
3. Stay hydrated.
Make it a habit to drink more water during the summer. Aim to drink enough water to equal two-thirds of your body weight in ounces. Alcohol is a diuretic that encourages the body to remove more fluid through urine than usual. Avoiding alcohol can help you stay hydrated. If you are of legal age and choose to drink, alternate your drinks with water to keep hydrated.
4. Swim safely.
Never swim alone; avoid drinking alcohol before and while swimming. Don’t forget to apply your waterproof sunscreen!
5. Prevent bug bites.
Apply insect repellent on your exposed skin and clothing after sunscreen dries. Choose a repellent that contains 20% to 30% DEET. DEET is especially helpful in deterring mosquitos and ticks.
6. Stay alert.
Whether you’re walking around the neighborhood or exploring a new country, always be aware of your surroundings. Put down your cell phone and avoid wearing headphones while walking.
7. Wheel around safely.
Whether you’re on a bike, skateboard or electric scooter, always wear a helmet. Pick a safe place to ride, and never wear headphones while riding.
The University Health Center is open throughout the summer to care for you. Call 402.472.5000 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our service at health.unl.edu.
More details at: https://health.unl.edu/