As extreme heat sweeps the nation, millions of people are expected to face abnormally hot weather this summer. When the temperatures rise and humidity increases, so does the heat index, which is how hot it feels to the human body—and that raises the risk of developing a heat-related injury. Dr.
Gabriel Neal, clinical professor and head of primary care and rural medicine at Texas A&M University School of Medicine, gives the following advice for staying safe during the summer months. Sun safety An obvious tactic to protect ourselves from heat-related illness is to limit our time in the sun. The sun is most potent between the hours of 10 a.
m. and 4 p.m.
If you plan to be in in the middle of the day, make sure that you're wearing effective protection, staying well hydrated, stopping to take breaks and getting into the shade as much as possible. One of the most valuable precautions we can take in the summer months is protect ourselves from the harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Sunburns are extremely common but can be prevented by protecting yourself with clothing and sunscreen.
Everyone is advised to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Generously apply the sunscreen to all skin not covered by clothing and reapply every hour to ensure proper protection. Every sunburn increases a person's risk for skin cancer.
By examining your skin, you can spot early signs of . If you see any changing spots or worrisome freckles on your skin, you should ask your.
