Beat the heat with these summer health tips

to think about in the winter.

block out 97 per cent of UVB rays.

August brings long, warm summer days and most of us are soaking up every last bit of it.

Whether you’ll be spending these last few summer months hanging by the pool, hiking to waterfalls, or flying to new destinations, it’s all about maximizing our fun and enjoying the weather.

But we all know summer adventures are not always a cool breeze, and there are lots of things to consider to ensure we are staying safe and healthy.

From sunburns to bug bites to seasonal allergies, summer brings with it unique health challenges to navigate that we just don’t have

That’s why, as your Lloydminster pharmacist, I’ve put together my top tips on staying healthy so you can enjoy the warm months while they last.

SPF is your BFF:

If you’re on a desert island, what is one thing you are packing? Sunscreen! Thanks to sunscreen, we can protect ourselves from sun exposure and reduce our risk of developing skin cancer.

When browsing the sunscreen aisle at your local pharmacy, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Use an SPF that is 30 or higher. SPF is related to the ability to screen out the sun’s UVB rays, and an SPF of 30 can

When available, look for a broad spectrum as it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

If you are at the beach or pool, look for a water-resistant sunscreen to protect you from the sun while in the water.

Don’t forget, it’s not one and done! It’s actually recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or sooner depending on the product label.

If you have any questions or concerns about sunscreen, your pharmacist can help. Nothing ruins a summer getaway like having a bad sunburn so make sun protection a priority and keep your sunscreen close by.

Make a summer fashion statement: While sunscreen provides the best protection against sun exposure, there are a variety of ways we can protect ourselves. Keep the sun at bay with style by wearing sunglasses and hats.

Sunglasses protect your eyes from damage by blocking UV rays, while wide-brimmed hats protect your head, face, ears, and neck.

Remember that UV rays are the strongest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., so that’s the time you need to be the most cautious.

H20 for when you’re on the go: During the hotter summer months, it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Hydration is crucial for lowering our chances of dehydration and heat stroke, but it also helps regulate our blood pressure and controls our body temperature. A few common signs of dehydration include, but are not limited to dry lips, flushed skin, headaches, and dizziness.

While any drink –such as sports drinks and teas – can help keep you hydrated, nothing quenches thirst like water.

You may be dehydrated even if you don’t have any of the signs so it is important to drink fluids often even before you feel thirsty.

As a best practice, choose water to drink when you are thirsty, avoid soft drinks, and choose decaffeinated drinks more often to keep you well hydrated. Drinks with caffeine should be limited to 3 cups per day. Whether you’re relaxing at the beach or strolling through the park, be sure to fill up your water bottle before setting the course for your next summer adventure.

Asad Kashani is a pharmacist and owner of your local Shoppers Drug Mart in Lloydminster. Visit ShoppersDrugMart.ca to find your nearest store.