Summer is too short around here to let misinformation mess it up! Cleveland Clinic Wellness breaks down the truth about three common summer health myths:
On DEET (the chemical found in insect repellants): “Provided deet is used as directed (don’t spray directly on face or in enclosed areas, don’t apply over cuts or irritated skin, to name a few key precautions ), research shows it’s safe to use.”
On sunscreen: “An SPF between 30 and 50 should be sufficient this season. Note that because of FDA regulations, sunscreen products in the U.S. offer far less protection against cancer-causing UVA than UVB rays, and sunscreens with higher SPF are the least protective against UVA rays.”
And on staying hydrated: “Don’t rely on thirst to remind you to drink—you can become dehydrated even if you’re not feeling thirsty, especially during exercise. If you’re exercising in the heat, drink water or other fluids beforehand, then continue drinking throughout your activity and for several hours afterward. Keep in mind that it’s not just fluids that hydrate; plenty of fruits and vegetables are hydrating, too.”
Now go enjoy the beautiful weather!