BE SKIN SENSIBLE THIS SUMMER PART 2

Spending time in the sun is good for your health as it provides essential vitamin D. It’s pleasant to enjoy the sunshine, but too much exposure and heat can be dangerous. It is therefore important to know how to take care of yourself when outside during the summer holidays.

Everyone is at risk of sun damage, but certain groups are particularly vulnerable, particularly those with fair hair and skin, babies and children, outdoor workers, and people with a family history of skin cancer. Even a small amount of exposure to the sun can be damaging. It’s vital that all of us take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones, and actively reduce the risks of skin cancer.

Not only do we have to worry about skin damage, but we also need to look after our bodies during hot weather. Extreme heat can damage your health, or even be fatal. You may get dehydrated and your body may overheat, which can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, both of which need urgent treatment. If you think you have heat exhaustion, move somewhere cool if possible and drink plenty of water. Take a lukewarm shower or sponge yourself down with cold water.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness or cramps and high temperature. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it could develop into heatstroke. Heatstroke can also occur suddenly and without any warning.

Symptoms of heatstroke include headache, nausea, intense thirst, sleepiness, a sudden rise in temperature, confusion, aggression, convulsions, loss of consciousness and hot, red, dry skin. If you have these symptoms during a heatwave, rest for a few hours, keep cool and drink water. If the symptoms don’t go away or get worse, seek medical advice. Prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke by:

Pets can also suffer heatstroke if they are not kept cool. Make sure they have plenty of clean, fresh water to drink and a cool shady place to rest.

Keeping out of the heat

• plan your day so that you can try stay out of the heat

• avoid going out during the hottest part of the day

• avoid strenuous outdoor activity

• if you have to go out stay in the shade and wear a hat and loose-itting cotton clothes

• if you are outside, take plenty of water with

• don't leave babies, children or animals alone in a parked car

Staying cool

• stay inside in the coolest rooms in your home

• close the curtains in rooms that get a lot of sun

• take cool showers or baths and splash yourself several times a day with cold water

Staying hydrated

• drink regularly even if you aren't feel thirsty – water or fruit juice are best

• avoid alcohol, tea and cofee as these can cause dehydration

• eat cold foods such as salads and fruit

• If you, or a loved one, develops heatstroke, get to the hospital as soon as possible.

While waiting to get to the hospital you can try move to somewhere cooler; increase ventilation by opening windows or using a fan; cool down as quickly as possible by loosening clothes, sprinkling with cold water or wrapping up in a damp sheet; if conscious, drink water; don't give/take aspirin or paracetamol.\

Sources: www.careinthesun.org, www.nidirect.gov.uk/ and www.nivea.co.za.