Your hypothetical friends Harvey and Harriet have been on a summertime adventure, and here we explore what precautions they should take next time to avoid their present predicament.
This story of mis-adventure shows how you can get into trouble with your health in the summer in Arizona and what can be done about it. Remember, this is not medical advice, it is about what Harvey and Harriet hypothetically do and learn to change for the next summer hike.
Harvey and Harriet Hiking
Harvey and Harriet decided to get out of the scorching heat and work routine in Phoenix and go to Flagstaff for some summer hiking fun.
They set out late, so did not get to Flagstaff to start on their hike until 11:30 AM.
Harvey was so happy to have stopped at that convenience store to get the super-sized coke, because it tastes so much better than water and will give him extra energy for the hike.
The weather in Flagstaff was very different than what they left in Phoenix. All the clouds in the sky really made it feel cool. They decided they did not need the sunscreen until later.
On the Trail
After a little while on the trail, Harvey was getting warm, so he took off his hat and shirt but did apply sunscreen to those tender areas that had not seen the sun.
Harriet sipped from her water bottle on the trail. Since Harvey had all that coke, he raced ahead and forgot about drinking much water.
On the way back, they stopped at a pond and sat down on the shore for a snack.
Harriet took off her hat and long-sleeved shirt to cool down.
They had trail mix which was half M&M’s, and also crackers and cheese.
They rested, and, falling asleep, didn’t notice that the clouds had cleared.
What they could do next time
1. Avoid exposure to the sun at peak hours, 10 AM to 3 PM.
2. Remember that they can get a sunburn even through cloud cover. Approximately 80% of the sun’s UV rays pass through clouds. UV rays can intensify reflected from water, sand, metal, snow.
3. Slightly exposing their skin to the sun daily would help to build up a little pigment protection.
4. They could cover with sunglasses, hats, and long clothing that is light colored and tightly woven, or sufficient sun screen if they are not tanned.
5. About sunscreens: use minimum SPF 15
• Find nontoxic ones or simply stay covered up
• remember to cover the lips also
• reapply after perspiring or swimming
6. Dehydration is a danger in the summer. There is no substitute for (structured) water.
• Use a Natural Action water structuring unit when filling water bottles.
• By sipping water rather than gulping water all at once, you can lessen the bothersome stops in the woods to pee.
• Soft drinks instead of water can cause the body to lose water, so stick to the water bottles you fill ahead of time.
• The sugar in the M&M’s in the trail mix also cause water loss.
• Try instead snacks that are juicy like fruits.
7. Symptoms of sunburn do not necessarily appear while in the sun.
• They may begin from one hour to 24 hours after sun exposure,
• and usually reach their peak untreated in 2-3 days.
8. Sunburn prevention is best, but if it happens, don’t wait to treat it like Harriet did in part 2.
Like the latest summer blockbuster sequel, this adventure has one more part! Go on to find out how to avoid critters while camping in the next summer adventure.
