Outdoor Survival Tips
Helpful Tips for New ATV Riders
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First Aid - Sun Burns
It has gotten to the point where many major papers
around the country are listing "burn times" when the sun begins to beat down,
and for good reason. Skin cancer death rates are soaring. How do you protect
yourself this summer as you head outdoors into the land of sun and fun? The
following are suggestions from the Skin Cancer Foundation:
- The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and
2 p.m. (11 a.m. and 3 p.m. during daylight savings). Minimize your exposure
during this period.
- Apply sunscreen with a sun protection
factor (SPF) of 15 or higher before every exposure to the sun. Reapply
frequently and liberally every two hours for as long as you stay in the sun.
Sunscreen should always be reapplied after perspiring heavily or swimming--even
if the product claims to be waterproof.
- If you are taking medications,
birth-control pills, or using certain cosmetics you risk an increased
sensitivity to the sun and a possible allergic reaction when using sunscreen.
Check with your doctor or dermatologist for advice.
- Clothing is no guarantee of sun
protection. Loose weaves still allow dangerous burning rays through. Wear
long-sleeve shirts and pants that are made with tightly woven materials and are
loose-fitting. Fair-skinned people should apply sunscreen even under their
clothing.
- Overcast days are no guarantee of
sun-protection. The sun's rays are just as damaging and sunscreens are still a
must.
- Be happy with your natural skin color.
Tanning parlors can increase your risk of skin cancer.
- The higher you climb, the more intense
the sun's rays become since there is less atmosphere to diffuse the damaging
rays. Pile on the sunscreen.
- Sand, snow, water and, yes, even
concrete will reflect the sun's rays back up to your skin. Protect yourself
completely from sunburn by coating the underside of your nose, ears, chin and
other less-accessible body areas.
- Take advantage of the specially
formulated sunscreens just for children on the market. The more they enjoy
applying it, the more likely they are to wear it and not duck and run every time
you come near them with a bottle.
*The Skin Cancer Foundation publishes and
distributes a free newsletter, Sun & Skin News.
This page is provided as a service to North East
Wisconsin Riders Inc. ATV Club visitors. North East Wisconsin Riders Inc.
ATV Club can not be held responsible for errors contained in this page or any
other section of this website. North East Wisconsin Riders Inc. ATV Club
strives to ensure that all our content is kept up-to-date. North East Wisconsin
Riders Inc. ATV Club is an all volunteer organization and please remember North
East Wisconsin Riders Inc. ATV Club is NOT offering any legal advice. We
are simply trying to raise awareness. As an ATV owner it is your responsibility
to know and understand the rules and regulations regarding your ATV and the
surrounding community. Lets all try to work together to educate each other.
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