Sun Safety
Sunscreen should be applied and re-applied this often
What is every two hours?
Cucumber, watermelon, lettuce, strawberries, tomatoes, celery
What are foods with a high water content? Great to incorporate into your diet to stay hydrated if you don't get enough water!
The recommended way to store medications during the summer to prevent heat damage
In a cool, dry place, out of any direct sunlight (car is a very bad place!) Heat can impact the effectiveness of certain medications and you should always talk to your doctor about the best way to store your specific medications!
Things to do/check before leaving the house in the summer months
What is, check the forecast (especially the heat INDEX not just the temp.), wear weather appropriate clothing (light-colored, light-weight, looser-fit, covering sun exposed areas etc.)?
It only takes this much time for a sunburn to occur
What is 10-12 minutes of sun exposure?
Older adults are much more likely to become dehydrated for these reasons
What is older adults have less water composition in their bodies and take more medications?
Diuretics, antipsychotics, antidepressants, blood pressure medication, and anticholinergic agents
What are medications that can increase your sensitivity to the summer heat?
The best way to protect your eyes from the summer sun
What is wearing sunglasses with UV protection (look for ones that state 100% protection against UVA, UVB and UV 400). *Bonus Point: What is wearing a hat or visor for additional protection?
The ABCDE's of skin cancer stand for this
What is asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolving?
Dry mouth, confusion, dark colored urine, dizziness, headaches, and muscle cramps
What are symptoms of dehydration?
The reasons that medications can make you more prone to heat sensitivity
What is a reduced sense of thirst, interference with thermoregulation (fluid balance), impaired sweating, and reduced blood vessel dilation (cannot dissipate heat)?
Two things you should always have with you before venturing outside in the summer
What is water and suncreen?
Bonus Point: A snack, your phone, and a phone charger
This many Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they reach age 70
What is 1 in 5?
The average person should drink this many ounces of water each day
What is their body weight divided by two? e.g. a 130 lbs. person should drink 65 ounces of water
Antifungals, antibiotics, antihistamines, and cholesterol-lowering drugs
What are medications that can make you more sensitive to the summer sun (more prone to sun burn)?
This is what NOT to do after being out in the heat
What is blast the AC and drink a lot of very cold water very quickly? This can shock your system! After being in the heat, take small sips of room temp. water until cooled down
This kind of sunscreen is going to provide the most protection from burns
What is sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays (it may also say "broad spectrum") and is at least SPF 15 or higher?
What is 40%?
Things you and your doctor can do to to mitigate risk of sun and heat harm
What is adjust medication doses or frequency, adjust fluid restriction schedule on very hot days, and discuss how your medications may interact with sun/heat so you can be informed (Never abruptly stop taking a medication unless you have talked to your doctor first)
During the summer, these are the best times of day to complete errands/leave the AC.
What is during the early morning or evening hours? The hottest part of the day is between 3pm-6pm so try to avoid activity if possible during this period.