Fun In The Sun: How To Be Sun-Safe
With summer in full swing, take the time to make sure you and your family are sun safe.
This, of course, means the use of sunscreen. An SPF of 30 is fine and should be applied to all exposed skin, face included, a half hour or so before sun exposure. Reapply after getting wet, dried or two hours. Wear hats and have clothing or umbrellas to take cover if shade is not readily available. Take extra precaution with toddlers’ and babies’ delicate skins. Even with sunscreen, no more than one hour at a time is recommended.The full explanation can be found at http://fitnessnyc.wordpress.com/2011/06/10/running-in-the-heat/ Dark skinned individuals should follow recommendations for sunscreen use.
Being sun safe means staying well hydrated as well. Signs of dehydration can be confusion, urinating less and having concentrated or darker urine, and slight disorientation. Sports drinks with electrolytes help replenish lost salts, as does coconut water. Too much salt can dehydrate.
For most of us, drinking plenty of water is all we need to stay hydrated and active during summer months. Drinking more than what seems necessary is not a bad idea, since by the time you feel thirsty, you are already somewhat dehydrated. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they dehydrate you more.