Beat the Heat With Sunscreen and Shade

The summer months are filled with all kinds of fun. The beach, the pool, outdoor sports are just a few warm-weather pastimes.

But when the heat index spikes, it's important to practice extreme caution when flocking to your favorite warm-weather getaways -- you'll be sorry later if you don't.

Temperatures this week soared past the 95 degree mark for several consecutive days. Westchester residents have been racing outdoors -- or shutting themselves inside -- to find some relief from the heat. On these scorching afternoons, it's imperative to be smart when it comes to the sun.

Dr. Dan Handelsman, a pediatrician in Sleepy Hollow, says two equally dangerous forms of injury commonly result from extreme heat and sun exposure.

The first comes from direct sun, which can damage the skin and lead to skin cancer later in life. In direct sun, the risks are the same for children and adults.

Kids and adults are encouraged to use waterproof sunblock, 30 SPF or higher. This recommendation does not exempt those with darker skin tones from being careful in the sun. Nobody is exempt and people of all skin types are susceptible to sun damage, experts say.

Handelsman says of using sunscreen: "Many people think that if they put it on once, they're good for the day. You have to remember to keep putting it on every few hours because even though it's waterproof, it's necessary to keep reapplying."

Topical sunscreen is just one of the ways to protect from the sun's rays. Covering up the body by wearing protective clothing while out in the sun is listed by American Cancer Society as being the first way to prevent sun damage -- and before sun screen, that was the only choice for centuries.

Wear a hat. Wear a garment to protect the head with at least a three-inch inch brim around the entire head -- it protects the ears and scalp. A shade cap is also a good idea because it protects the back of the neck, an area that often is exposed to direct sunlight.

Wearing sunglasses that block UV rays can also help to protect eyes from sun damage. If you're not sure what this means, looking at the label is key --- the ideal sunglasses should block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

As for the unlucky folks who have already been in the sun today and were rewarded with a painful sunburn, The Skin Care Foundation has found some relief. They recommend drinking lots of water, juice or sports drinks to replace body fluids, taking a cool bath in tepid water to soothe and cool the skin, and applying a light moisturizer. Above all, staying out of the sun until the burn fades will keep the burn from getting any worse.

Exposure to extreme heat is the second source of danger for those who find themselves in the sun, causing heat exhaustion and sun stroke.

Staying hydrated before, during, and after exposure to heat is vital to summer health.

"You must drink, drink, drink," Handelsman said. "You have to drink in anticipation. Try to load up on fluids before you start to sweat, and once you do begin to perspire, continue to replenish."