Different Types of Eyeglass Lenses and Materials
Benefits & Differences Have you ever tried to shop for prescription glasses at an optical
Staying Safe in Extreme Heat: Essential Tips
Stay Hydrated and Protect Your Eyes with Sunglasses
Sunlight is a source of Vitamin D, and regular exposure to it can provide some advantages. However, excessive sun exposure may also lead to danger.
Did you know that the Philippines experienced a temperature of 40.3 degrees Celsius in Tarlac on April 27, 2024? It was one of the hottest weather events the country has encountered. Given the situation, we all need to be cautious about our health before it escalates into more serious issues such as heat stroke.
Unfortunately, elders are more susceptible to this phenomenon as they do not adjust well to sudden changes in temperature compared to younger individuals.
Below are the tips you must do to protect yourself from staying safe in extreme heat.
Use Sunscreen
Besides preventing wrinkles, sunscreen may also protect your skin from potential sun damage that can lead to sunburn or more alarming skin conditions, such as skin cancer. Therefore, applying an ample amount of sunscreen with SPF 50 will help minimize the risk.
Drink plenty of water
Fun fact! Did you know that when a body experiences too much exposure to staying in extreme heat or sun, it automatically produces sweat to keep us cool? While this is quite fascinating, sweating causes the body to lose water and electrolytes (minerals found inside the body) much faster than it should, resulting in dehydration.
The hotter it is, the more we sweat, which is why it’s advisable to drink plenty of water to replace the fluids we lose. Water isn’t just there to quench our thirst but also to prevent the body from overheating.
The amount of water that needs to be consumed per day varies depending on age and health conditions. For instance, women are advised to have nine (9) cups a day, while men should aim for 13 cups to sustain their energy.
Invest in an air conditioner and fan
Your concern regarding the Meralco bill is understandable; however, you must also take into consideration the possibility of heat stroke due to excessive heat. Recently, a six-month-old infant passed away due to heatstroke in General Emilio Aguinaldo, Cavite [1]; a devastating news that must serve as a warning to everyone.
According to research conducted by UNICEF, children’s sweat glands are not yet fully developed, which is why they have less capacity to regulate the body’s temperature. Investing in a fan and air conditioner will be an excellent way to prevent such incidents.
Wear sunglasses
Wearing sunnies is more than just a fashion accessory. It also protects the eyes from possible eye-related illnesses, particularly the growth of cataracts. The question is, why? Excessive exposure to UV rays may lead to cataracts, it is because UV light triggers protein damage, in the same way oxygen does. This creates oxidative stress leading to the clumping of the eyes’ natural proteins, which causes cloudy vision [2].
Now that you have a better understanding of cataracts and their causes, you might want to invest in good-quality sunglasses. It is not a cure but wearing one will surely prevent eye illnesses.
Check out the EO Sunwear collection on our website, along with other stylish sunglasses for men and women. You can also shop for your desired pair on Shopee, Lazada, Zalora, and the TikTok Shop.
Have your eyes regularly checked for any possible eye damage caused by numerous factors. Enjoy free eye check-ups and consultations from our licensed optometrists when you visit any of our EO branches nationwide.
Taking care of ourselves during this heat wave is essential, as its effects should not be underestimated. Neglecting to do so can have significant negative impacts on our health, often without us even realizing it.
References:
[1] TV5 Philippines. “Six-month-old infant in Cavite dies from heatstroke” [Online].
Available at:
https://news.tv5.com.ph/health/read/six-month-old-infant-in-cavite-dies-from-heatstroke. Accessed on: May 4, 2024.
[2] Byrd Eye clinic. “Can Exposure to Sunlight Cause Cataracts”[Online].
Available at:
https://www.byrdeyeclinic.com/eye-care-resources/can-sunlight-cause-cataracts
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