Sweet summertime is in full swing!
Spending time outdoors on your days off work is a popular pastime during the summer season. Especially for travel nurses who spend half their days inside hospitals or nursing facilities.
With that said, it is important to keep in mind different ways to protect yourself from the scorching summer heat and ultraviolet (UV) rays. Overexposure from UV rays can cause severe sunburn, eye damage and cause quicker aging due to damaged skin, but these factors can be reduced by taking the proper steps while out in the summer sun:
Sunscreen:
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every two hours with an SPF of 30 or more. Reapplying will also be important after swimming or sweating. A suggested tip would be to keep extra sunscreen in your car that way you always have some on-hand.
Hydrate:
Seventy percent of your body is water. It is recommended that you drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to replenish your body, especially in the hot summer months when you’re sweating and doing more outdoor activities.
Sleep:
Most states are affected by daylight savings time and have longer days. According to the Huffington Post, “Nearly a third of Americans report sleeping six or fewer hours a night, despite the fact that long-term deprivation has been linked with a host of serious health conditions.” It is important to keep to a strict evening schedule to ensure you are getting enough sleep at night.
Bugs:
You can’t forget about the pesky bugs that buzz around during those warm and humid summer nights. Just like sunscreen, use insect repellent to avoid irritating bug bites and potential viruses. You can also light citronella candles and/or torches to keep mosquitoes away in your backyard or camp sites.
These are just a few tips to help you get through summer and the summer sun that comes along with it. You may find that one of these 6 Great Parks to Visit this Summer is near your current assignment or on your way to your next assignment!
