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Be G.L.A.D. to Beat the Heat This SummerSummer is here. The days are long. Children are out of school. You will want to spend time outdoors enjoying barbecues and other activities that are part of this season. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180621006093/en/ 
Infographic courtesy of AmeriHealth Caritas While you're having summer fun, be mindful of ways to stay healthy and mitigate the effects of summer weather. "The heat and sun can be dangerous, but you can easily protect yourself while still having fun," said Dr. Andrea Gelzer, chief medical officer for AmeriHealth Caritas, a national leader in Medicaid managed care and other health care solutions for those in need. "With a few simple steps, you can greatly reduce your chances of sunburn, dehydration, and other health problems that are more common during the summer months." Here are some common tips for having a pleasant yet safe summer: Go early or late The heat and sun are the strongest in the late morning and early afternoon, and these hours are best spent in an air-conditioned home or building. If you want to run, take a bicycle ride, or engage in another outdoor physical activity, it is best to do so early in the morning. Similarly, you may want to hold off on your backyard barbecue until after 6 p.m., by whic point the sun won't be as strong. Senior citizens should take particular care to avoid being outside during the middle of summer days, as the heat and sun can take an even heavier toll on them. Lightweight clothing is right While summer is the season for t-shirts and shorts, business and other activities will generally still require long sleeves and/or long pants. But that doesn't mean you need to suffer. If you have light-colored garments, this is the time of year to wear them, as light colors reflect more of the sunlight and heat than dark colors. If you must wear a suit and tie outdoors, leave the black wool suit at home and perhaps go with a light-colored suit made of a light fabric. Apply Sunscreen Everyone needs to apply sun screen to help protect themselves from sunburn and even skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends everyone use sunscreen with the following qualities1:
The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends applying sunscreen as follows2:
Drink Water Hot weather makes you more susceptible to dehydration and heat stroke, both of which can be life-threatening. Even if you don't feel thirsty, make sure you drink plenty of water. You may want to take a water bottle with you if you are going to be outside for any length of time. Note that hot weather can amplify the effects of alcohol. So adults who wish to drink alcoholic beverages should do so even more cautiously during the summer months. About AmeriHealth Caritas AmeriHealth Caritas is part of the Independence Health Group in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. AmeriHealth Caritas is one of the nation's leaders in health care solutions for those most in need. Operating in 16 states and the District of Columbia, AmeriHealth Caritas serves approximately 5.6 million Medicaid, Medicare and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) members through its integrated managed care products, pharmaceutical benefit management and specialty pharmacy services, behavioral health services, and other administrative services. Headquartered in Philadelphia, AmeriHealth Caritas is a mission-driven organization with more than 35 years of experience serving low-income and chronically ill populations. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritas.com.
1 Sunscreen FAQs. American Academy of Dermatology, 2018. https://www.aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs
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