July 4th is a time for celebration and fun, but with all the BBQs and family gatherings it’s easy to forget about our health. Fortunately, there are so many simple ways to stay healthy while still participating in all your favorite Independence Day festivities! Here are some tips on how you can make sure July 4th stays both joyous and safe this year:
Protect yourself from UV Rays
This July 4th, we can still have lots of fun and celebrate our nation’s birthday while staying safe from the sun. It can be easy to get sunburned outside, especially when you forget to wear sunscreen. It can take the sun less than 30 minutes for the UV rays to give your unprotected skin an uncomfortable burn. So be sure to wear clothes over certain parts of your body that are more prone to burning easily and apply sunscreen on parts of your skin that are exposed to the sun. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied while you are outside for extended periods of time to be effective. Even when the sun might not appear to be out on a cloudy day, its UV rays can still give you burn. So, it is important to seek some shade to give your skin a break.
Stay Hydrated
Everyone loves the warm summer weather, but with warmer weather comes more perspiration. Sweating is something your body does automatically to maintain homeostasis. But this also means that you are losing water and hydration in your body. This is why it is important to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Though alcoholic beverages may feel refreshing, they won’t keep you hydrated. Beer and other alcohols will make you feel even more dehydrated. Dehydration can become serious and lead to hospitalization if you don’t stay hydrated. So be sure to drink plenty of water and even consider eating fruits with water in it, such as watermelons.
All in all, this July 4th is the ideal time to get out there and enjoy yourself. Keep in mind that you can still indulge in everything that comes along with the celebration without sacrificing your health. Stay aware of the harmful UV rays and remember to apply sunscreen; seek shady locations during peak times of sun exposure, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to celebrate Independence Day while staying healthy and refreshed throughout your day. So, this year, don’t let stress on your body ruin the fun – practice safety and join us in wishing a joyous celebratory Independence Day!
For more safety tips on how to stay healthy and safe this July 4th, click here.
Article written by William Graves.