Charity Robinson, MD

By Dr. Charity Robinson

The summer weather is finally here, with long sunny days and some added heat. With all that sunshine we need to be prepared to avoid overheating, getting dehydrated, and developing skin cancer. On hot days it is very important to drink enough water to replenishing your body’s fluids and prevent dehydration. People 65 and over do not adjust as well to sudden changes in temperature, making them especially vulnerable. Be sure to stay in the shade and inside air conditioning during the hottest part of the day. Wearing light weight cotton clothing will also help you skin breathe and help you stay cool.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and includes different types. Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays in as little as 15 minutes. UV rays can damage skin cells, and are most powerful from 10am to 4pm during the summer months, although protection from UV rays is important all year long. UV rays can reach you on cloudy and cool days, and they reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow. The best ways to reduce exposure to harmful UV rays are to stay in the shade, wear clothing that covers your arms and legs, wear a hat with a wide brim to shade your face, head, ears, and neck, and wear sunglasses that wrap around and block both UVA and UVB rays. For all exposed skin use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and be sure to reapply if out for more than one hour or if you spend time in the water.
For those who choose to cool off on the river or at the lake, be sure to take your life jackets with you. Boaters should have access to and wear life jackets any time they are on a boat, motorized or non-motorized, and all children should have them on at all times when in or around the water.
We want everyone to stay safe and healthy while having a fun summer!