Sun and heat

Setting off on a trip, whether to a hill station, a beach, or any other place, make sure that you are always sun- and heat-safe.

Sun safety: This implies making use of all "sun safe" tips simultaneously for utmost protection from the Sun's harmful UV rays. Excessive UVA and UVB energy from the sun causes the skin to burn, which leads to discomfort due to soreness. This can ruin a pleasure trip.

UV rays:

  • UV rays are most intense between 10 a. m. and 4 p. m. It also happens to be the time to sightsee, lounge on the sandy beach, climb the hills, etc.
  • UV rays are stronger at higher altitudes (as when skiing) or tropical climates (in mid-eastern, eastern countries)
  • UV rays penetrate clouds. Being in the shade reduces the risk of direct exposure, however, it does not shield you entirely from damage. Water, snow, sand and other factors reflect the sun’s UV rays to you when in the shade

Sun safety tips:

  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat
  • Use a sunscreen with an SPF factor of 15 or greater
  • Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours and after each swim
  • Avoid exposure to sun whenever possible, especially at mid-day
  • Cover all bare skin
  • Wear tight and long-sleeved clothes (mostly spandex)
  • Wear sunglasses
  • Drink plenty of fluids through out the day
  • Apply a moisturizer with Vitamin E or Aloe Vera before bed time


Treating sunburns:

  • Run cool water on the affected area
  • Avoid cold water or ice as it could lead to ice burn
  • Take a pain killer to lessen the pain and discomfort
  • Do not peel or putt the skin off
  • In case of blisters, keep it clean and on drying apply lotion or Aloe Vera gel
  • In case of bad and itchy sunburns, apply a hydrocortisone cream or topical sunburn relief ointment

Heat stroke: Our body is cooled naturally by sweating. Sometimes, the sweat is not allowed to evaporate or the body does not have enough fluid to make up for the loss. Then, the body’s heat could overpower its cooling system. The failing of the body’s cooling system leads to a heat stroke.

The peril of heat stroke is greater:

  • In very hot and humid conditions
  • With heavy exertion
  • With dehydration
  • Direct exposure of the skin to sunlight (speeding up evaporation)
  • Due to profuse sweating


Symptoms:

  • Painful muscle cramps
  • Fainting or dizziness
  • Cool, moist and pale skin
  • Vomiting
  • High temperature
  • Increase in heartbeat
  • Rapid and shallow breathing
  • Decreased alertness complete loss of consciousness
  • High or low blood pressure
  • Severe headache


    • Avoiding heat stroke:

    • Take frequent breaks from heat activities
    • Be in the shade or in a cool place
    • Drink a lot of water and other fluids during the day
    • Avoid drinking alcohol or beverages with caffeine as they increase the rate of dehydration
    • Don’t over exert yourself

    Let the hazards of sun and heat stroke not dampen your sprits to go on a travel. With the right kind of care even the hottest place could be most fun!