Recommend this page to a Friend

Here's a potpourri of summer season wellness tips and ideas assembled by the editorial team at Wellness Program Management Advisor and www.WellnessJunction.com

• Be aware of potential dangers of sun exposure, because the sun's radiation causes skin cancer and ages skin. Sand, water and even white concrete can reflect the sun's rays from below, he said, adding that baseball caps only protect part of the head, while wearing wide-brimmed hats can cover your ears and the back of your neck. SPF 15 is sufficient for most people, experts say, but don't forget to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas, including your ears and under your chin.
• Before you send your little ones out to enjoy summer's many activities, be sure your children know important safety tips to help make their playtime injury-free. Three out of every five skateboard injuries are among children under 15 years of age, and approximately 26,000 people with a skateboard-related injury are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year, the statistics show. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offered tips to help your child minimize the risks of injury while skating or skateboarding: wear a helmet, wrist protectors and knee and elbow pads, always put on protective gear before putting on your skates, and, perform warm-up exercises before and after skating.
• Don't let summer's increased heat and humidity bat you down! Anyone exposed to heat can develop heatstroke, heat exhaustion or other heat-related illnesses. One of the most important things to do is to drink plenty of fluids, even if you aren't thirsty, experts say. When the body is under stress from heat, you may need up to 50 percent more to drink than your thirst would indicate. To avoid heat-related illness, take care not to overdress children and to give them plenty of liquids to drink throughout the day. Children under age 5, particularly those under age 1, are especially sensitive to the effects of heat. Don't leave children, a frail elderly or disabled person, or pets in an enclosed car -- not even for a minute -- as temperatures can climb quickly to dangerous levels. And, if possible, reduce physical activity or reschedule it for cooler parts of the day. Wear loose and light-colored clothing. When in the sun, be sure to wear a hat or head covering.
• Studies show that exposure to bright sunlight can increase the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration, both leading causes of vision loss among older adults. Dark sunglasses actually may cause more problems if they don't have adequate ultraviolet (UV) protection. The the American Academy of Opthalmology suggests that you select sunglasses that block ultraviolet rays. Don't be deceived by color or cost. The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the darkness of the light or the price tag. Ideally, your sunglasses should wrap all the way around to your temples, so the sun's rays can't enter from the side. In addition to your sunglasses, wear a broad-rimmed hat to protect your eyes. Don't be fooled by a cloudy day. The sun's rays can pass through the haze and thin clouds.