5 tips for staying healthy in Colorado | Health & Wellness Services

2. Put on solar safety

Colorado’s excessive elevation makes it the proper place to catch a sunburn. It is because there may be much less environment to guard towards UV radiation. Observe these tricks to finest defend your self from solar harm:

• Put on SPF 30+
  Lather up with sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or greater. It’s normally finest to use your first coat of sunscreen about half-hour earlier than you head outdoors. You’ll additionally must reapply each one to 2 hours whereas out within the solar. For the most effective protection, go for sunscreen lotions fairly than sprays. Don’t overlook to use sunscreen within the winter, too, particularly for those who go snowboarding.
   
• Keep away from peak solar instances
  Hold to the shade and attempt to keep away from extended solar publicity, particularly between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the solar’s rays are most intense.
   
• Put on a hat
  Select a hat with a large brim that gives ample shade and safety towards the solar. Whereas baseball caps are fashionable, they will not be the most suitable choice for safeguarding your head or face from solar harm. As an alternative, attempt to go for a solar hat, bucket hat or different kinds that supply extra safety.
   
• Put on sun shades
  The solar can have an effect on extra than simply your pores and skin. That’s why it’s vital to put on sun shades to guard your eyes from solar harm. Polarized sun shades can cut back the influence of UV rays and assist cut back glare in the course of the daytime.
   
• Search for UPF clothes
  UPF stands for ‘ultraviolet safety issue’ and is used to point how a lot UV radiation a cloth permits to achieve your pores and skin. In case you are looking for new mountain climbing or out of doors gear, remember to verify the UPF ranking and search for merchandise which are rated as UPF 30 or above. These will give you the most effective safety towards the solar. Moreover, it’s vital to keep in mind that material wetness, put on and laundering can reduce the effectiveness of UPF clothes over time.

3. Beat the bugs

Frequent Colorado bugs embrace mosquitos, bees, wasps, ticks, ants, spiders and gnats. Fortunately for us, this area is comparatively protected by way of bug-related sicknesses like Lyme illness (from ticks) and West Nile (from mosquitos). Nevertheless, stings and bites can nonetheless be itchy and annoying. When you’re trying to beat the bugs, listed below are some tricks to comply with:

• Keep away from standing or stagnant water, as it might probably function a breeding floor for mosquitoes.
• Put on lengthy sleeves and pants if doable. Think about tucking your pants into your socks and your shirt into your pants to dam potential entries for bugs.
• Use an EPA-registered bug repellent. Most repellents can be found in sprays, lotions or as wearable bracelets.
• Stroll within the middle of trails and examine your physique for ticks once you get house, particularly for those who’ve hung out in grassy, bushy or wooded areas. 

4. Put together for unpredictable climate

Verify the forecast earlier than heading outdoors, and keep in mind that Colorado climate can change straight away. One of the simplest ways to arrange for abrupt climate modifications is to put on or pack layers with you when venturing outdoors, particularly in the course of the late afternoon. Be ready for surprising wind, rain or hail by bringing a windbreaker or rain jacket. When you suppose chances are you’ll get moist, go for artificial supplies like polyester and nylon, which dry extra rapidly. Cotton-based clothes can retain moisture and depart you drenched by the tip of the day.

5. Keep hydrated

Excessive elevation can depart you feeling extra dehydrated than regular. Make sure you drink one liter (32 oz.) of water each two hours whereas doing bodily exercise outdoors. It’s additionally vital to carry additional water for those who plan to be outdoor with pets or different folks. Avoiding caffeine (a diuretic) also can provide help to keep hydrated for longer.