Hey y’all hey!
As of June 20th we are officially in summer mode! I thought I would drop some helpful and safe tips for you and your family to use this summer!
Protect Your Skin
We all know, or at least should know, that the mighty sun is no joke. Blistered and peeling skin is not fun. According to howstuffworks.com, “the amount of time it takes to get one (sunburn) can depend on a person’s complexion, the time of day he or she was exposed to the sun or any number of other factors”. If you are reading this and you have a darker complexion, then you might blow off this warning. But I would recommend that you don’t take that chance. The website howstuffworks.com goes on to state; “Regardless, ultraviolet rays cause damage, penetrating deep into the skin, and you should always protect yourself with sunscreen no matter what your complexion is”.
Hydrate
Water is a necessity in the warmer months. Believe me, I understand that this can be something very easy to forget. Whether you’re rushing out the door to get to work or rushing your kids off to summer day camp. It can be very easy to lose track of your water intake throughout the day. The summertime can amplify your chances of becoming dehydrated. If you think it’s hard for you to keep track of how much water you consume just imagine how difficult it can be for your kids, especially if they love playing outdoors in the sun. According to the website verywell.com, “you sweat more when the temperature’s hot, especially if you’re working or exercising in the heat. Drinking water helps replenish the fluids lost by excessive sweating. If you don’t get enough water, you may become dehydrated, and the combination of hot temperatures and dehydration can lead to serious heat-related illnesses”. The signs of dehydration are:
- Thirsty and dry mouth
- Lethargy and lack of mental clarity
- Reduced urine output (and the urine is dark yellow).
- Dry and sunken eyes
From what I have heard over the years the best way to prevent dehydration is to plan ahead. Make sure you bring enough water for you and your kids when you’re outside. Also if you know you’re going to be very active the next day then drink up the night before!
*Don’t forget your pets. Your animals need to stay hydrated as well!
Stay Alert
There are so many family friendly activities available for the summer. From amusement parks, to malls, to festivals and recreational parks, there are herds of people everywhere it seems. In my opinion it is important to make sure not only for you to be aware of your surroundings but make sure if you have children that they are aware too. I don’t mean that you should be overly protective or constantly on edge. What I mean is I don’t think it’s a bad idea to know where the entrances and closest exits are when you’re hanging out somewhere. Make sure your children know too. Also have a plan in place if you and/or children you are there with get separated.
I hope you find these tips helpful. They aren’t called the dog days of summer for nothing. Have fun and be safe out there!
ColorMyFootsteps 