Protecting Yourself and Your Keiki from the Sizzling Summer Sun

While it may be beach weather all year long in Hawaii, summer’s sizzling temperatures, clear blue skies, and longer days call for an “S.O.S” – Save Our Skin! As the summer months approach, Dr. Ryan Sato, a board certified dermatologist, wants to emphasize the importance of paying attention to how much time you’re spending in the sun, and how best to protect yourself from its harsh rays.

“We have such beautiful weather here in Hawaii that we sometimes take being out in the sun for granted,” said Dr. Sato. “But it’s extremely important to protect ourselves from the exposure we get, as too much of it can lead to serious health problems, both short and long term.”

With the sun beating down even hotter during the summer, overexposure can lead to a myriad of problems, including skin cancer and other dermatological conditions. Dr. Sato offers the following tips to keep from protect yourself skin from sun damage, as well as to prevent dehydration and sunstroke:

• Avoid being out in the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun is at it’s strongest
• If you are outdoors, be sure to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply at regular intervals, especially if engaging in water activities
• When possible, wear a hat and loose fitting, light-colored clothing
• Drink lots of fluid to keep hydrated
• If you feel dizzy or faint as a result of extended sun exposure, seek medical help immediately

For more information on Sato General & Cosmetic Dermatology or to schedule an appointment, call (808) 585-9222 or visit www.satodermatology.com.