The warm summer season has its perks: sun-kissed skin, freeing clothing, and warmth in spades. The sunbaked days unveil an opportunity to shed layered clothing and jackets; simultaneously, countless individuals take to their gyms, parks, and neighborhoods as they attempt to shed pounds in favor of beach-readied bodies. During these hot days, it’s vital that women, men, and children proceed cautiously, consuming water and submitting themselves to safe practices, ensuring that they avoid sun damage during outdoor hours.

Extended, cumulative exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays do a bit more than contribute vitamin D. That direct sun exposure can lead to incidences of skin cancer, with basal and squamous cell carcinoma outpacing incidences of all other cancers combined. More than sun safety, the summer sparks concerns around heat illness, food safety when grilling, swim safety and avoiding bugs.

In addition to increasing water consumption to decrease the risk of heat exhaustion and avoiding bugs to curb the contraction of viruses or illnesses, women should commit to the following actions that promise to maximize comfort during stifling summer days and night, and prevent illness and injury. Be prepared to yourself during warmer weather, vacations, and pool time.

Purchase sunscreen/sunblock: Using sunblock can help to save your son from malformations caused by sun damaging. Skin cancer, which is on the rise, can be life threatening, but more commonly it threatens the quality of life. Members of the public can continue to enjoy outdoor activities, but taking proper care of one’s skin is a matter of being proactive and informed. So, apply it every day, reapply it every three hours all over, including your face, your hands, your scalp, and under your bathing suit (the SPF of regular clothing is only 5 to 6). This important because UV radiation will destroy sunscreen over time, and water will rinse it from you. Avoid sunscreens that are too fragrant, too greasy, or too expensive. Any sunscreen with the protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater should do the trick.

Don’t Use Tanning Beds: Golden skin is certainly attractive, but tanning beds increase the risk of melanoma by 75 percent. Also, tanning beds deliver cancer-causing radiation, leading to poor health and skin damage.

Keep your immune system up: Warm weather doesn’t mean you should dodge vitamins and other supplements. Continue to drink juice, consume vitamins, and get a good amount of rest, so your body is prepared to fight off illnesses and viruses.

Wear Loose Clothing: Rather than wearing snug clothing and fabrics that are synthetic, wear underwear that has a cotton crotch and clothing that’s loose-fitting. Additionally, don’t lounge around in wet clothing or a bathing suit, as that isn’t very good for your vaginal health.

Consider Your Vaginal Health: It’s important to urinate frequently, shower often with mild soap, and stay away from vaginal sprays and douches. Douching can upset your natural pH balance and it can irritate the vagina by washing away healthy bacteria. Also, don’t use perfumed products or scented tampons, Also, if you’re experiencing vaginal discomfort, abnormal discharge, and burning during urination. Approximately 75 percent of women will have at least one vaginal infection in their lifetime, and women face additional threat of that during the summer months, where the rise in temperatures leads to a subsequent increase in sweat. Be sure to change your tampons and sanitary napkins to keep the vagina clean and odor-free. Also, keep in mind that any sort of hair removal should take place at least 24-48 hours before enjoying a swim at the beach or the pool.

Take Care of Your Skin: Don’t skimp on your normal skin and hair care regimen. Make sure you consistently clean and moisturize your skin, so it remains supple and shining.

And, remember, hydrate!