Planning Ahead for Fun in the Sun

(ARA) - For many of today's nine-to-fivers, the prospect of a sunny summer weekend is the only thing that gets them through a grueling work week. But too often, the heat and humidity of the season can turn summer faire, like gardening and backyard barbecuing, into harmful, even dangerous endeavors for unprepared weekend warriors.

"I've learned from many summers past that being prepared for the heat can go a long way in ensuring that I'm able to make the most out of my days off," says Chicagoan, Tricia Murphy, who several years ago fainted as a result of heat stroke after an afternoon at the beach. Since then, she says she's become attune to the precautions necessary for extended sun exposure.

Before even stepping outside, packing a few "fun in the sun essentials," that you can bring with you, will prepare and protect you from the dangers of summer. Including sunscreen should be the first step for anyone planning to spend time outside. Dermatology experts recommend using at least a 15 SPF sunscreen to help protect from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. Packing a supply of pre-moistened washcloths, like Comfort Bath, can also help to keep you clean, cool and refreshed during outdoor activity.

Choosing the right outfit before heading into the hot summer sun is just as important to help you beat the heat. Consider wearing light-colored clothing that will reflect the sun's rays away from your body. Experts also recommend wearing loose-fitting clothing that will allow perspiration to evaporate more rapidly, making it easier for the body to cool itself.

Another essential for all outdoor summer activities, even as simple as working in the garden, is maintaining proper hydration. "You always hear about active people needing plenty of fluid but I've found that it's so easy to forget to drink enough water when I spend hours in the garden," explains Pat Meyers who has been an avid gardener for almost 20 years. "I like to keep a pitcher of water, lemonade or ice tea handy, which I use to fill a large water bottle that is always at my side."

Even the backyard grill, an icon of summer, can turn into a hidden hazard. "Every summer there are cases of people who had been barbecuing and they just became overwhelmed by the combined heat of the grill and the hot sun," explains Katie Morrissey, a registered nurse. "Many times these cases could be avoided if people would consciously drink plenty of fluids and spend reasonable amounts of time over the grill."

Proper sun protection and adequate hydration sometimes aren't enough when the sun's rays are just too oppressive. On days like these, experts recommend avoiding rigorous activities between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun's rays are the strongest. Resting during these hours, inside the house and away from the sun, can offer a chance to cool off and refresh.

"Each time I take a break from the sun, I use it as an opportunity to freshen up and reenergize," says Meyers. "I always keep Comfort Bath washcloths on hand to remove the sweat and sunscreen that has built up on my arms, face and neck. I usually keep them in the refrigerator so they're extra cool and refreshing after hours in the sun."

Haste to partake in the summer season can cause you to forget these simple precautions, and may lead to sunburn, dehydration or heat stroke. Remember to pack those "fun in the sun essentials" -- sunscreen, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, plenty of fluids and pre-moistened, disposable Comfort Bath washcloths, which are available in drugstores nationwide. Following these easy tips, and using common sense when playing outside, can help to ensure an enjoyable and safe summer.

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Courtesy ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com, e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com