Beating the Heat

From beaches to barbecues, there are so many reasons to enjoy the summer sun. But during these bright, sunny Florida days, protection is key.

Above-normal temperatures are hard on the body if not taken seriously, especially for Seniors, said UF’s Professor and Chairman of Anesthesiology Nikolaus Gravenstein.

“People try all types of things to prevent heat illnesses, but people still find the heat overwhelming,” he said.

Doing strenuous activities in the sun could be dangerous without proper precautions. According to an article by Edmund Duthie of the Medical College of Wisconsin, older adults lose the ability to naturally replenish their bodies’ fluids when they get thirsty.

People who are very active often perspire more fluid than they can drink, so it is extremely important to drink fluids constantly, Gravenstein said. At least six 8-ounce glasses of fluid each day is recommended.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include fatigue, nausea, cramps, headache, dizziness and uncoordinated movement. If these symptoms occur, it is best to stop working or exercising and move into shade or air conditioning. If these symptoms are left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, a more serious condition that can be fatal. But these conditions can be avoided by protecting yourself while in the sun and keeping your temperature down.

The human body temperature is supposed to be maintained at 98.6 degrees, Gravenstein said. Factors such as age, disease and even medication can elevate that temperature when coupled with high heat.

Floridians definitely need to be on the lookout for skin cancer in the summer. Just because you are not spending a lot of time in the sun does not mean that you are not getting sun everywhere else, said Jennifer Thompson, a physician’s assistant for Gainesville Dermatology and Skin.

There are many misconceptions about skin protection, she said, and it is most likely because the threat of skin cancer is a relatively new concern. The problem is generational because we are so much more aware of it now, Thompson said.

Doctors hope to see a decrease in skin cancer in the next 20 to 30 years. But for the older crowd, the damage is already done.

“You can’t reverse the effects of the sun,” Thompson said. “It’s to the younger patients you’re preaching to.”

But that does not mean protecting your skin is not important. It is one of the most vital organs people tend to neglect the most, she said. Sun block is essential to protection from harmful rays.

It is recommended to use sunscreen that blocks ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB. Sun blocks can be used universally for any skin type or tone, but there are some that are more convenient, such as the spray-on sunscreen.

SPF, which stands for “sun protection factor,” is an indicator of how long the sun block lasts. The higher the SPF, the longer it lasts. For example, if the SPF is 15, then it would take 15 times longer to sunburn than if no sunscreen was used at all.

Sunburns increase a person’s risk for melanoma. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and can be fatal if not treated, Thompson said.

To prevent burning, seek the shade and apply 1 ounce (about a palmful) of sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day, and reapply every two hours. People who burn consistently should see their physicians every year for a professional skin exam.

Protective wear such as hats and sunglasses also provide protection from the harming rays of the sun.

One misconception Thompson stressed was that skin protection is not only important when planning a day outside. It does not take a long period of time to be exposed to the sun. Even walking to the car is enough time to do damage to your skin, especially in Florida, she said.

Tanning is a very popular activity in Florida, Thompson said, but it is better to lay out by the pool for a day than it is to go to a tanning bed. Tanning beds are convenient because they are available year-round and can get you tanner, faster, but according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, tanning beds have been linked to causing melanoma and premature aging.

During the summer months it is also important to maintain your skin’s moisture. The best and most effective way to keep skin from becoming dry is by regularly using a body moisturizer, Thompson said. The best time to apply lotion is right after a shower when the skin is still damp. Taking showers that are not too hot helps, too.

If possible, take advantage of the summer weather to enjoy walks or light exercise. By watching the heat and your fluid intake, you can enjoy the summer in good health.