We’ve reached the time of the year when pools open up, grills ignite, and the yard is tended to. Simply put, we’re outside. With temperatures on the rise, and record setting heat becoming the norm, it’s important to be mindful of the ways that we can keep ourselves and each other safe. So if you’re going to be outside this summer, here are a few things you may want to keep in mind.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are two major heat sources that contribute to the risk of heat related illness: Environmental Heat, which includes weather and appliances (like space heaters, etc.), and metabolic heat, which is the heat produced by our bodies.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two common types of illnesses reported around this time of year, and through the summer months.

Heat stroke occurs when our bodies lose the ability to regulate our internal temperature. We cannot cool down. Symptoms may include confusion, loss of consciousness, profuse sweating, high body temperature, and seizures. Left untreated, this can lead to permanent disability or even death.

Those suffering from heat exhaustion may exhibit many of these same symptoms, as it can turn into heat stroke without proper attention.

In the event that you, or someone near you is suffering from heat stroke or exhaustion, it is recommended that you call 911 to seek professional medical assistance, and stay with the affected persons until help has arrived. If possible, move them to a cool or shaded location, place a cold cloth on their skin, and possibly encourage them to take sips of water.

It is also important that people who have suffered a heat stroke in the past take extra precautions as they are more at risk for heat related illnesses in the future.

Let’s also address a few misconceptions about heat safety:

• Ultraviolet (UV) rays can pass through clouds, so sunscreen can and should be applied on cloudy days.

• Heat illness can occur in less than extreme heat. Some cases have been reported in temperatures around the lower 70s.

• Simply staying hydrated is not enough. Being acclimated to the weather (conditioning), and being mindful of the duration and types of physical activity you’re doing are a few steps youcan take to decrease the risk of heat related illness.

• Simply being athletic or acclimated does not mean you are safe from heat illness. While being acclimated to the heat can help, nutrition, and rest are just as important.

--- Sunscreen and Other Preventative Methods

While being mindful of heat related illness, we should also take measures to protect our skin.

When choosing sunscreen, it can be difficult to find one that we feel works best. So rather than point to specific brands, we’ll provide a little information about them and let you decide.

The two common types of sunscreen are chemical and mineral, and the usage of each can vary from skin type to skin type. For starters, people with oily skin may benefit from oil-free, or non-comedogenic sunscreens. People with dry, mature skin may prefer chemical sunscreens, and those with sensitive skin may want to use mineral sunscreen.

Chemical sunscreens are absorbed by the skin in order to dissipate UV radiation.

Mineral sunscreens form a barrier that reflects this light away, and tends to be less irritable for many users. That said, any sunscreen formulas with nanoparticles can seep into the environment as well as the skin.

Also, a sun protection factor of 30 (SPF 30) is the dermatologist recommendation, but it is important that you consult with your dermatologist if you have questions or concerns about how your body may react to these sunscreens, and which one may work best for you.