It’s summertime, and we all relish the times where we can get out of our homes, kick back, and enjoy a day outdoors. This is especially the case if we get to have a few beverages while we do so. However, as beloved as this pastime is for many, it’s important to be aware of how dangerous it can be in excess. Drinking out in the sun can be particularly hazardous to your health, as alcohol can react differently with your body and make you susceptible to certain dangers. These are some of the risks of drinking in the sun and how you can help mitigate them this summer.
Faster Onset of Sunburn
Sunburn is a major summer concern, regardless of whether we’re drinking or not, but studies have actually found a correlation between the consumption of alcoholic drinks and the time it takes for an individual to get sunburned. As our blood alcohol concentration rises, the number of vitamins and nutrients reaching the skin significantly lowers. These molecules are responsible for maintaining our skin’s durability and strength, so when they aren’t working as they should, it’s a lot easier for us to sustain a burn under the sun’s UV rays. To help prevent sunburn in these situations, try periodically resting in the shade or going indoors to give your cells a break.
Increased Rate of Dehydration
Since many hard liquor beverages have a very low concentration of water, they offer no hydrational value for the body. Though we feel like we’re hydrating ourselves because we’re drinking a liquid, only water can provide the body with the fluids to perform key biological tasks. As such, when we’re drinking alcohol all day, we’re actually in the process of becoming dehydrated. Dehydration has its own set of hazardous effects to be aware of, like dizziness, nausea, and even heatstroke in severe cases. Because of this, it’s a good idea to take breaks between rounds to drink a glass or two of water.
Higher Chance of Drowning
Another risk of drinking in the sun are the potential accidents a person might sustain in their inebriated state. In the summer months, specifically, this includes the increased chance of drowning while swimming, getting in motor vehicle crashes, or even being in a boating accident. For this reason, consider refraining from any strenuous or dangerous behaviors while drinking outdoors. Additionally, if you’re feeling intoxicated, try to remove yourself from situations that might cause you harm.
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