As more people in our community get vaccinated against COVID-19, we’ll be seeing more of our family and friends and gathering to enjoy the beautiful Northeastern Pennsylvania outdoors and even starting to make some travel plans!
My group of three fishing buddies have been cheated out of our annual trip to Canada for yet a second year by Covid, but we’re going to replace it with a quick try at Montana later this summer, assuming the drought out West and wildfires don’t tank THAT idea!
After more than a year of practicing social distancing to slow the spread of infection across the state, it’s only natural that we’re all excited to get outside and interact with those closest to us. Groups who have been fully vaccinated can be comfortable renewing their favorite activities, especially in open air.
Blue skies, sublime countryside, state parks, pools and lakes, hiking, camping – you name it, and Northeastern Pennsylvania has it to offer; so Canada, Montana, anyplace else … who cares … there’s great fishing close to home too.
But our exuberance in jumping back into warm-weather fun in our region can make us overlook a few basic measures that can keep us safe when enjoying fresh-air recreation. So, let’s review some pointers for keeping you cool and out of harm’s way.
The sun seems to be calling to us after so many months of staying inside and avoiding public places, and it’s healthy to soak it in, in moderation. Limited exposure can cause our skin to produce vitamin D, which supports bone health, and our brains to release serotonin, which can improve mood.
With the benefits, however, there are also risks. Too much exposure to sunlight will dehydrate the body and could cause severe sunburn and skin disease, including skin cancer. Fortunately, this is all preventable, if we’re conscious of these risks.
Staying hydrated is easy to do, will keep you refreshed and energized and will prevent you from dealing with fatigue, cramping, nausea and all the other lousy symptoms that come along with dehydration.
A good practice to keep is to always use sunscreen and bring plenty of water to drink whenever you’re outside this time of year. If that seems overly cautious for your taste, try to be cognizant of your situation. Note the temperature, time of day, how long you’ll be exposed to the sun, and whether you’ll be in shaded areas or out in the open. Also consider whether you’ll be out for a leisurely stroll or exercising vigorously. You’ll need to refuel on both water and nutrients if it’s the latter.
If you’re going to be out in the sun for an extended period of time, apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, and reapply liberally if you’ll be out all day. Bring a portable drinking container that holds enough water to keep you hydrated throughout your adventure. If you run out, and there’s still more to explore, refill before pressing on. Don’t forget sunglasses with demonstrated UV filtering lenses too.
Should you feel yourself beginning to overheat or feel exhausted, stop and sit in a cool, shaded area or get inside where air conditioning can cool your body temperature more quickly. Eat a small, nutrient-rich snack, such as fruit and nuts, that can replenish your vitamins, natural sugars and protein, and sip some cool water.
Experiencing more severe symptoms, like cramping, nausea, dizziness, headache, goosebumps in hot weather, or inability to hold down food and water, is a sign that you need immediate medical attention. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be dangerous, so don’t hesitate to quickly seek care.
It’s particularly important to keep an eye on your kids. Be sure they stay well hydrated and protect their tender skin from the sun with sunscreen, hats, and coverups.
We’ll take on some other fair-weather safety tips in coming weeks, but for now, have fun in the sun – and stay safe.