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By Sarah CatoU of A System Division of AgricultureJune 1, 2018
Fast facts
(538 words) (Download this story in MS Word format.)
LITTLE ROCK – Summer comes with a heavy workload for outdoor workers in Arkansas — along with heat advisories, ticks and other outdoor risks.
Tips for sun and heat safety
Lisa Washburn, associate professor-health for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said one important factor in outdoor safety is staying hydrated when heat indexes are high.
“Drink more fluids, regardless of activity. Don’t wait to feel thirsty to drink,” Washburn said. “It’s easier to become dehydrated in temperatures 90 degrees or higher. A good rule of thumb is to drink a quart of fluids an hour if you are outside on high heat index days.”
Protection from harsh sun rays and skin cancer prevention should be priorities this summer as well, and Washburn suggested some tips for navigating the overwhelming selection of sunscreen on store shelves.
“Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of 15 or higher,” she said. “If you have skin that burns easily, or a history of skin cancer, SPF 30 or higher is advised. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen. A broad spectrum product will protect from both UVA and UVB rays.”
Heat-related illnesses are a real danger for those outside during the summer months, so it’s important to recognize symptoms before it’s too late.
Heat-related illness symptoms
Tamara Walkingstick, associate professor-forestry, said foresters and any outdoor workers should also be mindful of their surroundings this summer.
“Anyone spending time outdoors needs to take measures to avoid exposure to poison ivy, prevent ticks and watch out for snakes,” she said.
Tips to avoid ticks
Tips to avoid snakes
For more information on encountering native snakes visit https://www.uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/FSA-9102.pdf.
For more information on summertime safety, contact your local cooperative extension agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu.
About the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your county extension office as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
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Media Contact: Mary HightowerDir. of Communication ServicesU of A Division of AgricultureCooperative Extension Service(501) 671-2126mhightower@uada.edu