Can you believe that the average person only spends around 7% of their time outdoors?
Participating in outdoor sports is an incredible way to get outside more often. You can also boost your physical and mental health. Even though outdoor time offers all kinds of benefits, it’s important to be mindful of how much sunshine you soak up.
Have you ever wondered why sun protection is so crucial? Read on to learn the top reasons why and some steps you can take to stay safe.
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UV Rays Can Cause Painful Sunburns
Most people have gotten a sunburn before, and they know how painful the experience is. If you plan on playing sports on a regular basis, then this skin condition can make it difficult to move the way you need to play well. To stay light on your feet, you have to keep your skin healthy.
One of the best sun protection tips is to always apply sunscreen before you head outside. If you’re doing an activity that causes you to sweat a lot, make sure that your sunscreen is waterproof. It’s always wise to reapply when your practices or games go on longer than an hour.
Sunburns Increase the Risk of Skin Cancer
Even though sunburns are thought of as a nuisance, for the most part, the scary truth is that every sunburn you get increases your risk of developing skin cancer. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancers out there, so we all need to be diligent about keeping our risk low.
You may think that you’d never get it, but almost 10,000 Americans are diagnosed each day. Taking steps to shield yourself from the sun’s harsh rays will go a long way toward preserving your health.
Too Much Heat Can Cause Dehydration
Keeping track of your outdoor time is vital for avoiding dehydration, heat stroke, and other serious conditions. When you find ways to stay cool, you can also continue to perform your best.
It’s nice if you can play in an area where there’s shade, or you can create your own shade with an umbrella. Pack plenty of water so you can stay hydrated.
How Can You Stay Safe While Playing Sports?
This information shouldn’t scare you away from outdoor sports since the benefits outweigh the potential risks by a landslide. As long as you’re cautious, you can enjoy the great outdoors whenever you want.
It’s wise to wear protective clothing like long sleeve tennis shirts so the sun can’t burn your skin. Apply sunscreen to any areas that are exposed, and consider wearing a visor to shield your face. Seek shade during rest periods and keep water on hand.
Everyone Needs to Have Sun Protection
Taking the time to learn about proper sun protection is the key to staying safe while having fun outside. After reading this guide, you can have peace of mind that you won’t suffer from negative side effects.
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