Sun Safety During the Pandemic

Practice Sun Safety During the Pandemic

We are fast approaching that time of year where the temperature in Texas reaches the high 90’s, and you feel like you, and everything around is ready to melt.

After weeks of being indoors, many of us are eager to spend time outside. Whether it’s fresh air you seek or an extra dose of the Immunity-supporting vitamin D – Aka “the sunshine vitamin,” staying safe in the sun is the priority.

Safe and Easy Summer Tips

Follow our tips to prevent dehydration, sunburns, and heatstroke and ensure your time outdoors is as memorable and fun as you dreamt it!

Add More Fruits and Veggies to Your Summer Diet

Fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants that can help boost our immunity as well as protect our skin against sun-damage, premature aging, and skin cancer.

Pro Tip: Snack on refrigerated or frozen fruit or make yourself a refreshing fruit smoothie

Stay Hydrated

During the summer months, our Altus ER Centers get slammed with dehydrated patients. Dehydration is a real concern during the summer months, as it increases the risk of heat exhaustion and, in more severe cases, heatstroke.

Pro Tips to prevent dehydration:

• Carry a refillable BPA Free water bottle with you when outdoors
• Follow the 20-minute rule; this means you should drink water every 20 minutes when outdoors.
• Avoid sugary and alcoholic beverages
• While engaging in an outdoor sport, we recommend you hydrate with a low sugar sports drink to help replenish lost minerals.

Don’t Forget the Sunscreen

Applying sunscreen should be a daily habit regardless, but it is especially important these days. Remember, we’ve been sheltering indoors due to the pandemic for months, and our skin will need time to adjust to sun exposure again.

Before you go outside, please remember to:

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Broad-spectrum means ti will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays
• Apply the sunscreen onto dry skin 15 minutes before going outside
• For best results, re-apply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating profusely.

Protect Your Eyes

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, high levels of exposure to UV light increases your risk of developing certain eye diseases such as, growths on the eye, cataracts cancer, and photokeratitis is a painful eye condition that is like having a sunburned eye

Pro tips to prevent damage to your eyes

• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats whenever you are outside, even if the day doesn’t seem to be too sunny
• Shield your eyes from dust by wearing sunglasses
• Wear goggles when swimming in the pool to protect your eyes from harsh chemicals
• Use artificial tears if your eyes become dry
• Avoid looking directly at the sun
• Don’t stand too close to lit grills or open fires

Wear Cool Protective Clothing

During your outings, choose lightweight fabrics in light colors, and preferably use loose-fitting clothing. Additionally, wear a wide-brimmed hat that can provide shade to your eyes and keep your head nice and fresh while you are out in the sun.

Maintain Social Distancing, Wear a Mask, and Wash Your Hands

We live in a new reality, one in which we must follow the guidelines of health officials to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

We urge you to please wear a mask when interacting with people outside of your immediate circle. Continue to wash your hands frequently with plenty of soap and water and maintain a social distance of at least 6-feet.

Flattening the curve is everyone’s responsibility.

Altus Emergency Centers continues to work 24/7, providing quality emergency medical services at an affordable price in a safe and friendly environment. If you require medical attention, don’t hesitate to visit us, your wellbeing is our priority.