As temperatures climb and Tennesseans spend more time outdoors, summer also brings an influx of health advice shared across social media. While some of those tips are rooted in science, others can spread misinformation that puts individuals and families at risk.
Faculty experts from the College of Nursing encourage the public to pause before believing every viral health claim. Whether it’s protecting your skin from the sun, staying hydrated during extreme heat, or safely enjoying backyard barbecues, evidence-based health practices can make all the difference.
Myth #1: You Only Need Sunscreen at the Beach
Whether you’re gardening, walking the dog, attending a baseball game, or driving with the windows down, your skin is exposed to UV radiation. Even cloudy days can allow harmful UV rays to reach your skin.
Experts recommend wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, applying it 15 minutes before going outside, and reapplying every two hours or more often if swimming or sweating.
Myth #2: If You’re Not Thirsty, You’re Hydrated
During Tennessee’s hot and humid summers, the body loses fluid quickly through sweat. Children, older adults, and people participating in outdoor activities may become dehydrated before they even feel thirsty.
Signs of dehydration include dizziness, fatigue, headache, dark-colored urine, dry mouth, and muscle cramps. Drinking water consistently throughout the day is one of the best ways to stay ahead of dehydration.
Myth #3: Chlorine Kills Every Germ Instantly
Some bacteria and parasites can survive in properly treated pools for hours or even days. Swimmers can help reduce the spread of illness by showering before entering the pool, avoiding swimming when sick, and keeping young children in swim diapers.
Myth #4: Food Can Stay Outside All Afternoon During a Cookout
Perishable foods should not remain unrefrigerated for more than two hours or just one hour when outdoor temperatures exceed 90 degrees. Foods such as potato salad, hamburgers, chicken, and dairy-based dishes should be kept chilled until ready to serve.
Using a food thermometer to ensure meat reaches the proper internal temperature is another important step in preventing foodborne illness.
Myth #5: A Healthy Tan Means Healthy Skin
A tan is a sign that your skin has already been damaged by ultraviolet radiation. Over time, repeated UV exposure increases the risk of premature aging and skin cancer.
“As temperatures and the UV index rise this summer, sunscreen and water should be your constant companions,” shared Melissa Hessock, clinical associate professor. “We often associate summer tans with a healthy, youthful glow, but tanning and burning increase the risk of skin damage, scarring, wrinkles, and more concerning, skin cancer.”
Protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours can help reduce harmful exposure.
Staying Healthy All Summer Long
Summer offers countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, but prevention remains the best medicine. Nursing experts encourage families to plan by staying hydrated, practicing sun safety, preparing food properly, and paying attention to signs of heat-related illness.
“Summer is a time to recharge, connect with loved ones, and create lasting memories,” said Sarah Bertini, clinical instructor. “Protecting those moments begins with simple, evidence-based preventative habits like staying hydrated, using sunscreen, and taking precautions in the heat. As nurses, we know that prevention is one of the most powerful tools for promoting health. The healthy choices we make each day help prevent disease, promote health, and allow us to enjoy all that summer has to offer.”
Contacts:
Kara Clark Cardwell ([email protected], 865-974-9498)