If you're making plans for summer fun and vacations, keep in mind that the sun, while the source of life for our planet, has potentially dangerous effects that should not be overlooked.

Below, we'll explain the basics for helping to keep you and your family safe and healthy in the summer months.

Every man, woman, and child ought to be applying UVA and UVB-filtering sunscreen prior to outdoor ventures that involve exposure to sunlight, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., when the sun's rays are at their strongest.

People living near the equator and at high altitudes need to be particularly vigilant concerning protection. Parents should consider not only themselves, but their children as well, since blistering sunburns early in life have been associated with the development of skin cancers in adulthood.

Ultraviolet-blocking sunglasses and protective hats and clothing offer significant protection and, unlike sunscreen, don't have to be reapplied throughout the day.

Vitamin D supplements are inexpensive, less time-consuming than sunbathing, and confer no health risk if consumed in a reasonable dose.

If you are unsure of the right amount of the vitamin to use, arrange to have your blood tested for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and adjust your vitamin dose accordingly.

Heatstroke symptoms include a body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, altered mental state, dry skin (unless vigorously exercising), skin flushing, nausea and vomiting, headache and rapid breathing or heart rate.

Heat stroke most often afflicts older individuals due to a reduction in their blood vessels' ability to dilate in response to heat, which is caused by a decrease in nitric oxide production. This also increases the risk for heart-related problems.

Recent studies show folic acid increases vasodilation by increasing nitric oxide production. This is valuable for aging men and women to protect against the cardiac risks associated with hot weather.1

Originally posted here:
The Life Extension Blog

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