How to Walk Outdoors Safely in Summer: UV Protection Tips for Daily Walkers
Is there anything better than getting out under the summer sun and feeling that heat on your body as you enjoy the fresh air and cool breeze? While getting in your steps may be perfect for summer time weather and improving your cardiovascular health, it can also be not so great for your skin.
Around 1 in 3 adults will get sunburned each summer, leading to weeks of discomfort and possible further damage the longer you explore unprotected. Getting in your daily dose of UV light is always good, but you want to do summer sun protection in a way that is healthy and sustainable for your lifestyle.
Here are some quick tips for UV protection so you can enjoy your neighborhood block, local parks, and nearby nature trails worry-free from overexposure to sunlight.
Why UV Protection Matters During Summer Walking
Most of the time, when you think about summer safety for the sun, you worry about ultraviolet radiation causing sunburn. It’s true you can end up looking more like a cooked Maine lobster after a long day at the beach, but the real issue with extended exposure to sunlight on long walks is overall health.
The more exposure you have to UV rays, the greater the risk of skin cancer, premature skin aging, and eye damage. The sun is out all year round, but summer walking on a hot day, either early afternoon or late morning, is much riskier.
The trick is to wrap your sun protection into your activities. Effective UV protection is a strategy. It must include certain tips and tricks in your routines, rather than treating it as a one-time precaution. The summer heat isn’t just about UV protection. You also need to stay hydrated. The best protection plan includes staying cool, staying safe from the sun, and keeping well hydrated.
Tip #1: Choose the Right Time of Day for Your Walk
The easiest way to relax on the many local walking trails in your community without worrying about sunburn or dehydration is to pick times of day that work for you. Go when the sun is at its weakest. That is usually before 10 am and after 4 pm.
You should also pay attention to your local weather report. Most will include the “UV Index.” This measures how intense the sun will be during that day. If it reaches a “3” or more, you need additional UV protection measures in place to stay safe on your walk.
Tip #2: Dress for Sun Protection, Not Just Comfort
You shouldn’t browse your closet for the day’s wardrobe without considering the sun. Summer activities may look better in certain shorts or white shirts, but you want a little more to block UV rays.
Start with a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face, ears, and neck. You should also invest in a few long-sleeved shirts made with moisture-wicking or UPF-rated fabric. The lighter your pants and shirts are, the better, especially on longer walks. Then accessorize with fun sunglasses that look fashionable and block both UVA and UVB rays.
Tip #3: Sunscreen Should Be Part of Every Walking Routine
Even the most carefully designed summer safety clothing will leave some skin exposed to the weather. That is where a broad-spectrum sunscreen can protect you on those longer walks through the community gardens.
Heavy sweating and extended periods outdoors can degrade your application, so try to reapply sunscreen every couple of hours. As for sunscreen strength for sun protection, SPF 30 will do the trick, but SPF 50 is slightly better, offering up to 98% UVA and UVB protection.
Don’t forget to cover all your sensitive areas, such as the tops of the ears, back of the neck, hands, scalp (especially when it’s thinning or you have hair up in a braid), and the tops of your feet when wearing sandals.
Tip #4: Stay Hydrated and Recognize Heat-Related Warning Signs
Summer activities can quickly leave you dehydrated when outdoors. Proper hydration is crucial to staying healthy and enjoying your walk. Be on the lookout for early warning signs that you need a drink, like:
· Dizziness
· Headache
· Excessive fatigue
· Muscle cramps
· Nausea
· Confusion
When you’re feeling “out of sorts” from the sun, find some shade or indoor AC spaces. Drink plenty of fluids and allow your body to fully cool down before heading back out. Smart summer safety leads to longer summer fun.
Tip #5: Choose Walking Trails That Help Protect You
Another good idea for UV protection is to find walking areas with natural shade. Choose the walking trails, boardwalks, paths, and routes that include plenty of mature trees for cover.
You may also want to find trails with rest areas, benches, emergency stations, shelters/pavilions, or water refill stations scattered along the walk. That little extra bit of comfort goes a long way to keeping you safe and content as you discuss friends, family, and work developments with your walking buddies.
Tip #6: Know When Indoor Walking Is the Smarter Choice
The final tip for sun protection during summer walking is to know when you’re beat. Trying to get outdoors when there’s a thunderstorm or poor air quality that might make you dizzy is dangerous. The same is true for a high UV Index forecast when you have sensitive or fair skin.
That is where a walking pad from Redliro goes a long way to helping. Our Redliro JK15F Foldable Walking Pad offers speeds up to 7.0 mph and a weight capacity of 400 pounds. It easily folds down to save space around your home and get out whenever the sun is just a little too harsh for that summer day.
You don’t have to interrupt your summer walking schedule just because it’s raining or the air is a bit too humid. Choose Redliro and extend your walking capabilities on hot days, cold nights, and all seasons of the year.
Smart Summer Walking Starts with Preparation
Summer should always be a time to relax with friends and enjoy reconnecting with nature. Getting outdoors and breathing in the air while letting the sun warm your body up is wonderful. As long as you practice these easy-to-follow summer safety tips for UV protection, your walk shouldn’t be anything more than a great way to de-stress and burn some extra calories.
Stay safe this summer, consider expanding your walking capabilities with Redliro, so you can maintain healthy walking habits safely throughout every season.
