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Protect yourself from summer sun and heat
Summertime is upon us, which means we should take additional precautions to protect ourselves and our families from environmental health risks.
Overexposure to the sun can cause skin cancer. In fact, Texas ranks third in the nation for incidences of malignant melanoma. Learn what you can do to reduce cancer risks at the SunWise Web site.
Every year, more people die from excessive heat events than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined. Anyone can be adversely affected, but older adults are especially vulnerable. Here are some simple steps that can save lives and reduce risk:
- Visit air-conditioned buildings in your community if your home is not air conditioned.
- Take a cool shower or bath. Drink plenty of water. Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
- Avoid strenuous activities.
- Ask your healthcare provider if the medications you take increase your risk during excessive heat events.
- Check on at-risk individuals and watch for warning symptoms such as hot and dry skin, confusion, hallucinations and aggressive behavior.
Elevated temperatures can increase peak energy demand, air conditioning costs, air pollution levels, and heat-related illness and mortality. Cities can have summer temperatures that are as much as 10 degrees hotter than nearby rural areas. Fortunately, there are common-sense measures that communities can take to reduce this "Heat Island Effect." Learn more at EPA's Heat Island Web site.
Summertime can also bring unhealthy levels of ozone. Poor air quality can trigger asthma attacks in both children and adults. Read about ways to avoid asthma attacks this summer at EPA's Asthma Web site and learn more about air quality in your neighborhood at the AirNow Web site.