Summer time…and the living is easy. And with new technology, it’s also healthy and smart.
Summer may be the season of gardening, hiking, swimming and biking, but it’s also the season of sunburn and dehydration.
Everyone knows that excessive sun exposure damages the skin which can lead to a number of things from premature aging to deadly skin cancers.
One tool that is helpful in determining the best times to be outdoors and the best times to avoid sun exposure is the UV Index. Developed by the National Weather Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, the UV Index indicates the strength of solar UV radiation. The UV scale runs from 1, which means radiation is lower to 11 + which indicates extremely high levels.
Knowing what the UV Index numbers are can help you take appropriate action to protect yourself. But, how do you know what the UV Index is when you are out and about?
Smart phone apps and the internet of course!
One of our favorite resources is the Environmental Protection Agency’s Sunwise website and downloadable apps.
You can find this at http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex-sp.html
The website presents information on where to download the apps for Android, Blackberry, iPhone and other web-enabled smart phones. Plus, there is a “look-up” feature where you can enter your zip code to find the current UV Index number for your location.
The website also includes additional resources and tips on how to protect yourself from the sun, UV maps, major cities forecast maps, UV alert information, and a place to sign up for email bulletins.
Another favorite app is the Ultraviolet - UV Index by Robocat. Described by the developer as, “A beautifully simple UV Index viewer showing you the current UV index for your, or any other, location in the world,” this app uses simple graphics to give UV Index readings and advice on sun protection.
Ultraviolet - UV Index is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch with iOS 7.0 or later. It’s available for free at the App Store on iTunes.
Now…what about water?
It’s so simple and yet so necessary for your body to function properly. You can actually survive much longer without food than you can without water. It’s THAT essential. Especially in the heat of summer.
Water carries heat away from your organs before serious damage can occur which can lead to severe conditions like heat stroke. Heat travels via the bloodstream to your skin causing you to perspire. As the sweat evaporates from your skin, it cools you off helping you to maintain a safe body temperature.
Daily water intake must be balanced with the water you lose to maintain appropriate levels in your body. As we all know, it doesn’t take much to make you sweat in the Georgia summer sun so you must consume enough to keep the balance.
By the time you start to feel thirsty, you’ve probably lost around 1% of your body’s water and are becoming dehydrated. You need to stay on top of your water consumption so you don’t get dehydrated. How do you know if you’re drinking enough water? Well, as you’ve probably guessed…there’s an app for that.
A number of diet apps like My Fitness Pal have a diary where you can log water intake. However, there are apps that do nothing but help you consume a healthy amount of water.
A favorite is Daily Water Free - Water Reminder and Counter. This app from Maxwell Software is for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch iOS 7.0 or later.
It not only allows you to set goals for water consumption and log how much you drink, it also allows you to set reminders that alert you so you can stay on a regular water drinking schedule to keep you healthily hydrated throughout the day.
Daily Water Free is available at the App Store on iTunes.
Another favorite is Water Tracker for Android devices 3.0 and up.
This app also helps you stay hydrated by allowing you to record the amount of liquid you are drinking each day. It also sends out alerts letting you know if you are below your target for reaching your daily water consumption goals.
Simple graphics feature graphs that give you a quick “at-a-glance” information. This app also allows you to calculate your water needs based on age, weight, gender and the amount of exercise you get each day.
You can download the app at Google Play.
