The summertime is the best time to enjoy the outdoors, the sun is out, grasses and flowers are tall, and lakes are great to cool off in! There’s no better time to enjoy the beaches or national parks; but there are some risks with spending time outdoors in the summer. There are many precautions available to protect you and your skin this summer while enjoying the outdoors.
Keeping an eye out for the ultraviolet radiation (UV) level when you check the weather is important, the UV comes from the sun and penetrates clouds and reflects off surfaces like water or sand. A UV level of 0-5 is considered low and medium recommending sunscreen. Experts tell us a UV level of 6-10 is high, recommending also wearing hats and finding shade. Any UV over 11 is considered extremely high, with many precautions advised for going outside during the peek hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. While applying sunscreen often is a great idea, there are a few other things that can give you additional protection from the sun, like wearing hats, long sleeved shirts, and using an umbrella.
Long grass, shrubs, and standing water are places bugs like mosquitos and ticks thrive. Experts suggest it’s best to cut back long grass, brush, and shrubs to limit tick populations and reduce standing water surrounding your property to avoid it being used as a home for mosquitos. Bug spray, certain aromas, or long sleeved shirt and pants are the best protection when visiting these types of areas. When camping or having a outdoor gathering, consider keeping food and liquids in airtight containers as to not attract more bugs. When returning inside, it’s important to check yourself for ticks as tick-borne illnesses are common in the summer.
Taking steps to protect your skin is most important, but if you do end up sunburnt or bitten by a bug, there are quite a few things you can do to ease the burn or itch. Aloe vera is a great solution for both issues, its inflammatory properties help ease the itch of a mosquito and the burn from the UV. You’re able to get it in premade gel or an entire plant to grow and harvest when you need it! If bitten by a tick you should wash the site with antibacterial soap or hydrogen peroxide and monitor it as it heals. Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone are also great alternatives to sooth a bug related itch.
Whether it’s on the fields, beach, or deep in the woods, it’s vital to stay protected no matter the conditions. The more precaution taken prevents many of the risks associated with long periods of time outside. Using some of the methods above we hope you enjoy a fun filled summer outdoors while staying safe!
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