July is UV Awareness and Heat Safety Month— and while Georgians are no strangers to heat, it’s always good to refresh your warm-weather and extreme heat safety habits before heading outside!
🌞 Beat the Heat, Not Your Health:
Are you biking to work, taking a lunchtime stroll, or training for your next 5K? Peak summer sun and high temperatures aren’t safe to be in for too long. Extreme heat can cause heat-related illness and even death, and more than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States (CDC, 2025). Heat-related illnesses can affect people when their bodies aren’t able to properly cool themselves. Older adults, young children, and people with chronic medical conditions are at high risk for heat-related illness and death. Here are a few essentials to help you stay safe in the heat:
💧 Hydrate Often – Don’t wait until you’re thirsty! Drink water before you go outside, and carry a reusable water bottle so you can hydrate and refill regularly to avoid dehydration. Drinking enough water keeps the body hydrated, which helps your muscles work efficiently and helps the heart pump blood more easily through the body.
🧴 Use Sunscreen – Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen before heading out, and reapply every two hours (or more frequently if you’re sweating a lot). While UV from the sun helps us absorb vitamin D, there are risks from overexposure. Overexposure to UV radiation can lead to serious health issues, including skin cancer.
👕 Dress Smart – Choose light-colored, breathable, sweat-wicking clothes to help block UV absorption and keep you cool while you’re on the move. A lightweight hat and UV-blocking sunglasses are also smart choices to protect your eyes and face. More coverage can also help your body stay cool and protect your skin from the sun.
🕒 Time It Right – Avoid peak sun hours (10 AM – 4 PM) when possible. Early mornings and evenings are cooler and safer for physical activities. If you have to go out during the day, try to time it right and prepare yourself. Take breaks in the shade, listen to your body, and don’t push your pace on sweltering days. If you walk to work or rely on public transportation throughout the day, consider carrying an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun, and don’t forget the water and sunscreen.
In the event of extreme heat conditions, limit your outdoor activities and sun exposure as much as possible.
Safe and smart movement is essential in the summertime. Stay cool, stay protected, and keep moving safely under the sun! ☀️
