In the desert climate, heat causes more health problems than any other weather factor. Our soaring summer temperatures and low humidity can be a dangerous combination. Follow these rules to stay safe in the Arizona desert. Slow down. Your body can’t do its best at high temperatures and humidities.
Don’t dry out. Drink plenty of water while the hot spell lasts.
Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult.
Heed your body’s early warnings that heat syndrome is on the way. Reduce your activities immediately and get into a cooler environment.
Dress for summer. Light colored and lightweight clothing reflects heat and sunlight.
The heat wave of 1980 killed more than 1250 people in the United States. In the 40 years from 1936-1975, nearly 20,000 people have died from the effects of excessive heat. The only other weather related phenomena that kills more on the average each year is lightning.
Arizona is famous for its sunshine, but it has the highest rate of skin cancer among the 50 states and one of the highest rates in the world!
Prolonged overexposure to the sun is the primary cause of skin cancer. Skin cancer is reported in 500,000 Americans each year and 6,500 to 7,500 cases result in death. That is more deaths per year than all other weather factors combined, including tornadoes, hurricanes, heat waves and winter storms. Fortunately, 95% of skin cancer patients are free of the disease once treated. The cure rate would approach 100% if everyone with symptoms sought prompt medical attention.
How to Prevent Skin Cancer
- Minimize sun exposure, especially during the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the most intense;
- Use a sunscreen. Apply often while in the sun. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher;
- Cover up. Wear a hat, long-sleeved shirts and pants when out in the sun;
- Be aware of reflecting surfaces. Sand, water, pool decks, and snow can reflect up to 85% of the sun’s damaging rays;
- Remember that damaging ultraviolet rays can penetrate clouds and are stronger in the thinner air of higher altitudes. Don’t forget the sunscreen in these conditions.
- Avoid tanning salons and sunlamps. Ultraviolet rays from these sources are the same as in sunlight and can cause sunburn, premature aging and increased skin damage.
Skin Cancer Warning Signs
- See your doctor if you see any of these or other changes on your skin you can’t explain or which last for than 30 days.
- A sore that doesn’t heal;
- Appearance of a new blue, black, brown, or pink area on your skin;
- A mole that changes in color, shape, size or texture;
- A mole that changes in sensation.
This page was compiled from many sources on the internet.
— 07:23:09 AM
[1927]
