No one can question that it can get a bit hot in Alabama. Finding reprieve from the summer heat can sometimes be a challenge for people who live in the Heart of Dixie. Even for life-long residents of Tuscaloosa and other cities in Alabama, the humidity can be quite unbearable. While it certainly can be miserable at times, the summer heat can also pose a threat to your overall well-being. From heat exhaustion and dehydration to sunburns and more, the summer heat and sun can play a toll on your body. Beat the heat this summer with these safety tips presented by the National Weather Service.
Check the Day’s Forecast
The first thing you need to do is prepare for the day. Get ready for the day by checking the day’s forecast. You can use many tools to check the forecast including NOAA. When you know how hot or bright it is going to be, you can plan accordingly. Knowing the forecast helps you decide what to wear, the sunscreen you intend to use, and even if you need to bring along some additional shade for the day’s events.
Use Sunscreen
It may sound simple, but many people forget to wear sunscreen or sunblock. Even if you have on long sleeves or pants, you need sunscreen for your face everyday. Do not even underestimate a cloudy or overcast day. The sun’s rays can still shine through and target your skin. Protect yourself from sun damage and premature aging by applying sunscreen before you head out the door. Make sure to also reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
Find Shade
The warmth of the sun may feel good at times, but when you can, you should shelter in the shade. The shade blocks the sun’s rays. It also tends to feel cooler in the shade, which gives you a respite from the heat.
Wear Sunglasses
While you may focus on protecting your skin from the summer sun and heat, you also need to care for your eyes. The retina in your eye is very sensitive to light, and you need to protect the pigmentation in your retina just as you protect the pigment of your skin from the sun. Protect your eyes from UV rays by simply wearing sunglasses when you go outside.
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Don Protective Clothing
As great as sunscreen is, it will never protect your skin as well as clothing. Sunblock or sunscreen can be hard to put on as it is sometimes sticky. This is especially true if you are trying to apply sunscreen on your little ones. Plus, it can be difficult to remember to reapply sunblock once you get preoccupied with the day’s activities. Help your kids and yourself by making sure you all wear protective clothing. Many sporting good stores sell clothing that offers ultraviolet protection. Some of this sunwear can have as much as UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) 50 fabric, which protects you from 98 percent of the sun’s rays.
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