Take care of yourself this summer
You may have noticed that I didn’t send out a post on Thursday or last night. After probably spending too much time outside, I got completely knocked out and spent the last few days completely knocked out on the couch. It’s a sign to write about protecting yourself this summer.
Most tips to protect yourself are common sense and yet, most people forget or ignore them. Don’t be one of them and be pro-active. Prevention is so much easier than after care! Here are my favourite tips to protect yourself and to take care of yourself this summer:
- Apply sun cream. I don’t really need to explain why, do I?!
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays. Check that your sunglasses block both UVA and UVB rays.
- Wear a hat or carry an umbrella to avoid direct sun exposure (Dorothy, you ain’t in Kansas anymore). Walk in shaded areas as much as possible to protect yourself from the sun.
- Dress appropriately by wearing loosely fitting clothes which give your body air to breath. Don’t block this naturally cooling process with too many layer of clothes.
- Stay in air-conditioned areas. If you can’t afford central AC for your home, get a fan which you could move from room to room. Create a flow of air by opening the windows in the morning and evening. Close the curtains or shades to prevent sunshine to come in and create additional shade during the day.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol. Fruits and veggies with high water content like watermelon, strawberry and cucumber can also help you become hydrated again.
- Watch your body temperature and your sweating. The longer you stay outside, the more your body is trying to cool itself down. This happens through sweating. If your skin, however, is dry and hot, your body may not have the necessary energy and is going into overheating. Apply wet towels to cool your body.
- Seek medical advice. If you are feeling unwell and think you may have a heat stroke or sun stroke, contact a physician. I’m not a doctor and do not give medical advice. Please don’t self-diagnose yourself with the help of the internet or your friends (unless they’re nurses or doctors, of course).
We’re only at the beginning of summer and temperatures will naturally rise over the next few weeks. Protect yourself and also keep an eye out for your family and neighbours. Children and elderly people may not realise the danger they’ve put themselves in (I could tell you stories from my grandma you wouldn’t believe J). If you notice they require some help, help them!
I’m wishing you a wonderful, relaxing and cool summer. Look after yourself and protect yourself!
Until next time,
Agni