Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill, go on family adventures and make memories together outdoors, but it also brings health and safety concerns. Whether you are heading to the pool, playing sports and gearing up for backyard gatherings, here are some essential tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe in the sun this season.

Make sunscreen a daily habit

Sunscreen isn’t just for beach days. Anytime you’re outdoors — even on cloudy days — you are exposed to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. Here’s how to make sunscreen work for you:

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Apply 15–30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours — or more often if swimming or sweating.
• Don’t forget easily missed spots like the ears, scalp, tops of feet and the back of your neck.
• For babies younger than six months, avoid direct sun exposure and use protective clothing and shade instead of sunscreen (unless advised by your pediatrician).

Pick the right time to be outside

The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If possible, plan outdoor activities during early morning or late afternoon hours. If you must be outside during peak sun hours:

• Seek shade under trees, umbrellas or tents.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.
• Dress in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing to protect skin without overheating.
• Look for clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating where possible.

Keep kids cool and covered

Children are especially vulnerable to heat and sun exposure. Keep them protected with these safety tips:

• Dress them in light-colored, breathable fabrics and broad-brimmed hats.
• Encourage frequent water breaks, even if they say they’re not thirsty.
• Take breaks indoors or in the shade often during play.
• Never leave children in a parked vehicle — even for a short time. The temperature inside can skyrocket quickly and is often much higher than the outside temperature.

Know the signs of heat-related illness

Heat exhaustion is caused by dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. It has the potential to come on quickly, especially in high humidity.

• Signs of heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness or fatigue, dizziness or fainting, headache, nausea or vomiting and cool, moist skin with goosebumps
• What to do: Move the person to a cool place, give them water and apply cool, damp cloths. If symptoms worsen or don’t improve, seek medical help.

More severe than heat exhaustion, heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature control system fails and is considered a medical emergency.

• Signs of heat stroke: Confusion or slurred speech, dry skin or profuse sweating, rapid pulse, seizures and loss of consciousness
• What to do: Call 911. While waiting for help, move them to a cooler area, remove excess clothing and use cool cloths or ice packs to lower body temperature.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Dehydration can sneak up on you in the heat. To stay properly hydrated:

• Drink water regularly — even if you’re not thirsty.
• Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol, which can dehydrate you.
• Offer kids water throughout the day, especially when active.
• Add a pinch of salt to water or grab an electrolyte drink or sports beverage after heavy sweating.

Stay sun-smart all season long

Being sun-safe doesn’t mean missing out on summer fun. With a few smart precautions, you can enjoy everything the season has to offer — while keeping yourself and your family healthy and protected.

For even more tips about staying safe this season, especially when it comes to swimming, boating and other water activities, check out this blog.

Tanner Urgent Care makes it easy

Even with the best precautions, accidents and injuries can still happen — that’s why Tanner Urgent Care is always available for minor emergencies and health concerns, so you can get back to enjoying summer.

Have fun and make the most of every moment knowing you have support right around the corner. Walk in, schedule ahead or connect virtually any time at TannerUrgentCare.org.