How to protect your health in warmer weather

Everyone dreams of a happy, healthy, and chilled out summer. Looking after your mind and body is important all year round, but at a time that typically comes with increased socialisation and new experiences, it’s a necessity.

It’s easy to underestimate the impact of hot weather, including the risk of conditions like heatstroke. Staying fit and healthy gives your body a fighting chance of thriving through the heat, so it’s worth learning how to get ready for summer.

4 ways to look after your health before and during summer

• Apply suncream

As the rays hit the skin’s surface, penetrating UV rays travel into the deeper layers and can affect or kill skin cells. People who don’t naturally produce much melanin are at higher risk of sunburn and skin damage from the sun.

One way to prevent this damage is by using a high factor SPF suncream, also known as sunblock. This should be liberally applied on all areas of your skin exposed to the sun - but remember that your face and shoulders might be the most sensitive. 

Be careful not to allow suncream into your eyes, as it can cause irritation. If you do, follow this advice from Lenstore’s expert optometrist Roshni Patel:

“If you do get any in your eyes, use lubricating eye drops if possible or warm water to flush it out, and avoid wearing contact lenses until your eyes feel fully recovered. If irritation still persists, consult your optometrist as soon as possible.”

• Stay hydrated

It’s incredibly important to drink plenty of water in warmer weather. If you’re working out or following an active routine, try to drink isotonic sports drinks or find the best electrolyte drinks to replace salts, sugars and fluids lost by your body.

Almost all non-alcoholic drinks will replace fluids in your body in the same way, but it’s a myth that hot drinks will make you cool down. On a hot day or after intense exercise in warm weather, you should avoid caffeine-containing drinks and stick to water. 

Symptoms of dehydration include headaches, feelings of thirst, and a dry mouth. If you start to feel confused or dizzy, you should make sure that you’re not showing any other symptoms of heat exhaustion. 

Protect your eyes

With the World Health Organisation estimating that up to 20% of cataracts are caused by UV exposure, it’s important to take the right steps to shield ourselves from the harsh sun rays. The easiest way to do this is by investing in sunglasses that offer UVA, UVB AND UVC protection that cover your whole eye in order to stop any rays getting in. It’s important to keep up with your usual eye health routine as well, whether this includes wearing toric lenses or making use of eye drops that can help combat dry eyes in the warmer weather.

• Keep your house cool

Lastly, as British homes are typically built to retain heat through the winter, regulating indoor temperatures during a heatwave can be challenging. Before the heat of the day hits, try to keep the blinds and curtains closed and make sure that the heating is turned off.

Cooling down during the night allows your body to recover from the heat of the day, so try to keep your sleeping area well-ventilated at night. Taking cool showers and baths could help you to lower your temperature during the day, but it’s best to avoid exerting yourself too much when you’re already very hot.

By taking proactive steps to keep the heat at bay, you’ll protect your physical health and feel much better in the morning!