Longer days and warmer weather mean more time outdoors, but all that sunshine brings health risks that are easy to overlook. At Hometown Urgent Care, we treat sunburns, heat-related illnesses, and other warm-weather injuries every summer. That’s why we’re sharing smart, simple ways to protect your family while enjoying all the fun the season has to offer. 
Why Sun Safety Matters Sun exposure doesn’t just cause temporary discomfort, it can have serious long-term effects, especially on children. Risk factors include:
- Painful sunburns that damage the skin’s outer layer
- Increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma — the deadliest form
- Premature aging and long-term skin sensitivity
Children are particularly vulnerable. Their thinner skin burns more easily, and they often don’t recognize signs of overheating or dehydration until it’s too late. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a great time to prioritize prevention and start healthy sun habits. 
Smart Sunscreen Habits Sunscreen is your first line of defense. Make sure you’re using it correctly with these tips:
- Choose an SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB protection), and water-resistant formula
- Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure, even on cloudy days
- Reapply every 2 hours, or immediately after swimming or heavy sweating
- Cover all exposed skin, including easy-to-miss areas like ears, tops of feet, and the back of the neck
- “I don’t need sunscreen on cloudy days” → UV rays penetrate clouds and still damage your skin.
- “Darker skin doesn’t need sunscreen” → False. All skin tones can suffer sun damage and skin cancer.
- “One application lasts all day” → Not true. Reapplying is essential.
Hometown’s own Medical Director Dr. Carol Bland recommends to “wear sunscreen daily every year March to November, even on days when you do not plan to be spending time outside. Those are the times when UV rays are high enough that some damage can be happening even if it’s just while you are driving or walking between the car and house or work.” Protective Clothing & Accessories Even with sunscreen, covering up is key for long-term protection.
- UV-protective clothing with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings offers better defense than regular fabric
- Encourage kids to wear wide-brimmed hats that shade the face, ears, and neck
- Use sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection to protect young eyes
- Create or seek shade whenever possible — under trees, umbrellas, or canopies — especially during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM)
Hydration & Heat Safety Heat-related illnesses can set in quickly, especially in children who are playing hard outside and may not notice early warning signs. Recognize the Signs of Heat Exhaustion:
- Pale or clammy skin
- Headache or dizziness
- Fatigue or weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
If symptoms escalate to confusion, fainting, or a rapid pulse, it may be heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. Keep Kids Hydrated:
- Encourage small sips of water every 20 minutes when playing outdoors
- Offer fruit with high water content (like watermelon, oranges, or cucumbers)
- Use reusable water bottles with marked measurements to ensure consistent intake
- Avoid energy drinks, soda, and excess juice — these can worsen dehydration
When to Visit Urgent Care Sometimes, despite precautions, heat or sun-related issues still arise. Visit Hometown Urgent Care if your child or family member experiences:
- Severe sunburns with blistering, swelling, or signs of infection
- Prolonged fatigue, dizziness, or vomiting in hot weather
- Symptoms of heatstroke like rapid breathing, disorientation, or unconsciousness
- Allergic skin reactions to sunscreen, plants (like poison ivy), or insect bites
Sunshine is one of the best parts of summer, but staying safe requires planning ahead. By building these simple habits into your family’s routine, you can enjoy more carefree days outdoors while protecting everyone’s health long-term. From treating sunburns to helping with heat-related concerns, Hometown Urgent Care is here for your family all season long. No appointment needed — just walk in and feel better, faster.