Scottsdale, Arizona, is part of an area referred to as the Valley of the Sun for a good reason: It’s actually known for being sunny for around 330 days out of the year. So, whether you’re a permanent resident of Scottsdale or are simply headed there for a visit, sun safety is vital in safeguarding your health any time of year. It’s important to educate yourself about the various ways the sun can affect your health and methods for preventing physical harm.

Many people think that sunburns can be easily treated and are only temporary, but this simply is not the case, because sunburns can actually lead to long-term problems, such as skin cancer or sun poisoning. Additionally, you don’t necessarily have to be out in the sun for a prolonged period of time to get a sunburn; some people, like those with fair skin, burn much quicker than others, or on some days the UV index will be higher than usual. If you’re going to be out in the sun, there are many precautions you can take to help prevent sunburn. Be sure to choose a sunscreen that has a high SPF (sun protection factor); the higher the SPF, the more protection you will have from the sun’s UV rays. Additionally, if you plan to go swimming, be sure to have a sunscreen that is water resistant so that it will last longer. Even though it can get quite warm in Scottsdale, you might want to consider wearing clothes that cover any exposed skin, like long sleeves or pants.

Prolonged exposure to the sun can also cause heat exhaustion, which can lead to even more serious problems, like heat stroke. Heat exhaustion occurs from becoming dehydrated due to water or salt depletion in the body. While this usually occurs after spending several days in high temperatures, it can happen more quickly sometimes, especially if a person is already dehydrated to begin with. Some common symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, fainting, fatigue, nausea, rapid pulse, excessive sweating, and muscle cramps. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to get yourself to a shaded area to rest and rehydrate. Drink plenty of water when you anticipate having a long day spent in the sun. Sometimes, people don’t realize that not just any fluids will keep the body hydrated. Caffeinated drinks or alcohol, for example, will actually make dehydration and heat exhaustion worse.

Sure, you might wear sunglasses on sunny days just like everyone else, but do you know just how dangerous the sun can be for your eyes? Too much summer sun now can lead to long-term problems for your eyes later. Studies have shown that people who spend a lot of time in the sun from their teens through their 40s are more likely to be affected by diseases like macular degeneration later on in their lives; however, wearing sunglasses or a hat that shades your eyes can drastically reduce this risk. Other short-term injury can occur to the eyes, too, like corneal flash burns (sunburn of the cornea).

If you take the proper precautions during your time in Scottsdale, however, you can enjoy yourself outdoors despite being in the heart of the Valley of the Sun. If you are worried about the intense sun and heat in Scottsdale, then you can always just reduce the amount of time you spend in the sun. But if you wear plenty of sunscreen and protective clothing and drink a lot of water, you will feel right at home.

John Soland is a lifestyle expert who is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health news.

John Soland is a lifestyle expert who is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to http://www.yelp.com/biz/laser-spine-institute-scottsdale health news.

Author Bio: John Soland is a lifestyle expert who is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health news.

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