Brian Hellman
Director, Health Benefit Plan

Prevent Sunstroke and stay healthy

It’s coming.  The first day of summer is right around the corner (June 21, 2013).

Sometimes it seems as though we go from one extreme to the other without much break in between.   Have you been there?   The weather is bitter cold, the snow is falling, and then overnight it’s like someone turned the heat up so high that you can barely breathe.  You walk out of your house, and it’s your own personal sauna.

It’s during times like these, we forget to adjust our lifestyles and remember with each temperature change there are risks that we need to be aware of.   As summertime is right around the corner, let me remind you of some pre-cautionary measures you can take and some sun stroke symptoms that you should watch out for. 

Too much fun in the sun can cause your body to overheat.  When the body becomes dehydrated and can no longer cool itself with natural perspiration, your temperature can shoot up from 98.6 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit - causing a sun stroke.  Sun stroke is serious, and can cause brain damage and even death.  When you exercise outdoors, bike, play golf, or tennis, don’t over exert yourself in extreme temperatures.  Wear loose clothing that allows your skin to breathe, drink plenty of water, and avoid prolonged physical activity outdoors when the heat index is 90 degrees or higher. 

Sunstroke symptoms may include, but are not limited to: Headache, Flushed Skin, Shallow Breathing, Faint, Dizzy, Seizures, Chills, Nausea, or a Racing Heartbeat.

Another Sun Tip:

Baking our bodies in the sun without protection can have serious health consequences.  After all, rays from the sun are actually intense electromagnetic radiation. Let’s say that again – RADIATION. Not only does this radiation cause nearly 90 percent of premature wrinkles, deep lines, blotchiness and sagging skin, it actually triggers mutation in the DNA of our skin cells – mutations which cause melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Thankfully, a little common sense, such as avoiding intentional tanning outdoors and indoors, along with a good sunscreen (one with an SPF of at least 30), sunglasses and protective clothing, can have a huge effect on minimizing everyone’s risk for skin cancer.
May each and every one have a safe and healthy summer.

Sincerely,

Brian Hellman
Director