The trees are finally full and shady; ducks have returned from the south to start a new family. Temperatures have risen enough to convince you it’s time to bust out the shorts, tank tops, and sundresses. More and more people are coming out of hiding and your favorite pub is buzzing with conversation once again. The cold has finally been shaken off and you’re adjusting your routine accordingly.
Naturally, each season presents its own challenges — spring brings allergies, fall causes dry skin — and summer is no different. While you may already be doing the essentials, such as wearing sunblock (and reapplying every few hours), there are likely other important habits you’re forgetting.
Here are some tips to avoid some common summer mishaps!
Beyond Sunblock
I trust that you already know the importance of sunblock… Especially during your summer beach or lake trips. However, it’s equally important to protect your eyes, lips, and scalp from the sun’s harmful rays. According to experts at Icon Eyecare there are four types of solar radiation you should be protecting yourself from. These are “UVC, UVB, and UVA rays — which are invisible to the naked eye — and HEV radiation, which is visible blue light. UVA exposure is linked to cataracts and macular degeneration, and HEV rays can lead to retinal damage. High exposure to UVB rays can cause skin damage and even skin cancer, including on the eyelid.” While the damage might not appear immediately, over time this continued sun exposure can cause some serious repercussions and might even put an end to future summer plans.
Smaller areas are easy to overlook until the damage is done. And then suddenly you’re stuck icing some very painful, burnt lips instead of relaxing on your Instagram-worthy pool float. This summer (and every one afterward) take the time to incorporate even more precautions against the sun. Investing in some items such as sun-blocking chapstick, hats, and sunglasses is a good place to start to avoid this summer mishap.
Inside and Out
Socializing is often quite different in the summertime, in the respect that you probably do a lot more of it. Weddings, BBQs, and summer traveling gives the opportunity to spend more time with friends and meet new people. You might also happen to be more sexually active in summer, considering the opportunities to interact with new faces and build some new connections.
However, taking care of your sexual health is extremely important for not only for you but for the public’s health. Professionals at STD Labs explain, “Statistics show that the rate of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) has increased significantly in the US over the past few years.” Currently around 110 million individuals in the US are living with an STD. Nearly 20 million individuals contract an STD every year. So with all of that in mind, getting tested regularly will help ensure you’re healthy and ready to enjoy every new adventure that comes your way.
The Wrong Kind Of Lit
Unfortunately, as much excitement as summer brings, there is also an influx in fires, specifically grill fires. Grilling is a summer staple but if not properly tended to, your summer can end in disaster. May, June, July, and August are peak months for grill fires so taking some basic precautions before starting your grill can help ensure a safer evening of hamburgers, veggies, and more:
- Ensure your grill is at least 10 feet away from your house and in an open uncovered area
- Clean your grill regularly as NFPA research claims an unclean grill is a leading cause to grill fires
- Keep an eye on the grill as grease fires can start rapidly
- Keep children away from the grill
- Ensure all gaskets and hoses are well maintained
It’s easy to get lax while grilling, especially if you tend to enjoy conversing and drinking with your guests while doing so, however, it only takes a moment for a grease fire to erupt. If you make a habit of practicing safe grilling, you ever won’t have to call your weekend BBQ short because firefighters had to come crash the party.
Summer is for taking pictures you can look back on during those especially cold days in winter. It’s to help remind you of warmer nights and longer days. As well as making memories, soaking up some sun, and finding sand in some unlikely places is what summer is all about. Through all the excitement and adventures, it’s important to still make your health and safety a priority. So that you can fully enjoy these long but fleeting months.
Featured image via Photo by Zoran Zonde Stojanovski on Unsplash
