True story: If you roll your windows down while driving, the sun will beat down on one arm, but not the other. You probably won’t notice because of the cool wind racing in through the window. In other words, I look like a damn candy cane. After all my years of living with skin so white it makes Barry Manilow look Black (thank you, Jeff Dunham, for that inspirational line) I should have learned what does and does not qualify as effective sun block. Effective forms of sun block:

Sun block

Staying indoors. Forever. Forms of sun block that fail:

Outrunning/driving the sun

Swimming. Water actually makes one burn even more

Tanning on purpose I burn easily. I do not tan ever. My burns, on the rare occasion I get them, do not fade into beautiful tanned skin. They blister and peel to reveal a new layer of snowy white. I prefer snowy white to blistering red, though, and so, typically, I do not forget my best friend, SPF 45. My pasty skin might get a few chuckles from people at the beach but, you know what? I am both accustomed to, and ok with that. I may be pale now, but they’ll be wrinkly later. Then I’ll be the one laughing. I’m sure you’re all well aware of Melanoma, whether you choose to utilize sun block or not. So I won’t talk about it. If you want to increase your chances of skin cancer, that is entirely your prerogative. But the harsh UV rays aren’t the only risk that summer brings. Hot weather means:

Dehydration

Heat exhaustion

Heat stroke As we all learned from some imagined British guy in A Beautiful Mind, hangovers are caused by dehydration. The headache, nausea, dry mouth, fatigue--my friends, that could have all been prevented had you just had some water in between shots. And it can be prevented in the hot summer sun, as well. Thirst is a major symptom of dehydration. If you are hot, and thirsty, you’re already becoming dehydrated. Drink some water. Drink water even if you’re not thirsty. Preventing something now is usually more fun than treating something later. Other symptoms of dehydration include:

Loss of Appetite

Dry skin

Skin flushing

Dark colored urine

Dry mouth

Chills

Head rushes Dehydration is kind of a big deal. If you don’t fix it, it can lead to increased heart rate and respirations, increased urination (furthering the problem), muscle cramps, headaches, and nausea. If you still can’t take the hint that your body wants some H2O, you can look forward to muscle spasms, vomiting, racing pulse, confusion, difficulty breathing, seizures, and unconsciousness. Dehydration is also a contributor to heat exhaustion--which leads to heat stroke. Heat and exercise are causes as well. Preventing heat exhaustion can be done by consistently hydrating yourself, and welcoming the summer heat gradually. If you exercise, start earlier in the morning or later in the evening--when it’s cooler. Signs of heat exhaustion include:

Heavy sweating

Paleness

Muscle cramps

Fatigue

Dizziness

Headache

Nausea/Vomiting

Fainting To treat it if you think you have it, drink some cool, non-alcoholic fluids, rest, and cool down. Take a cool shower or sit in an air-conditioned room--just get out of the heat. If you don’t, heat stroke is the next stage, and is a medical emergency. The body stops being able to regulate its temperature and can shoot up to 106 degrees easily. If you see someone pass out from heat, or suffering from heat exhaustion, get them water and help them to cool off. Their skin will be cool and moist and their pulse will be fast and weak. Breathing will be fast and shallow. If you happen to know that the victim has heart problems or high blood pressure, or if they still have signs of heat exhaustion after an hour, get them medical treatment. If someone is having a heat stroke, verses heat exhaustion, first and foremost, COOL THEM DOWN. I apologize if this is a boring topic, but it’s important. And I’d rather get people informed now, than in June. Summer is just around the corner (though those of us in Arizona and Nevada might argue it’s already here). Let’s try to keep it fun, not fatal.