Summer in Central Florida means sunshine, pool days, backyard barbecues, and outdoor fun. Yet, it’s also a time when many of us spend hours under the sun, and as the saying goes, it is possible to get too much of a good thing.
That makes July a good time to remember that some of the season’s greatest health risks can be easy to overlook simply because they sneak up on you. Skin cancer doesn’t form after a single afternoon outside. Likewise, dehydration doesn’t begin the second you feel thirsty. That’s why this month’s edition of Central Florida Health News focuses on prevention.
Inside this issue, Watson Clinic dermatologist Dr. William Roth explores common summer skin issues, ranging from sunburn and sun poisoning to heat rash and photosensitivity.
In addition, Central Florida Health Care’s Christy Merrick offers practical advice on skin protection, while Dr. Alison Young-Tan from the Florida Department of Health-Polk County explains what to look for in a sunscreen, as well as best application practices.
We’ve also debunked some common hydration myths, so be sure to check that article before grabbing your packet of electrolytes.
When you’re out enjoying the sun this summer, remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here’s to a safe and healthy summer!