The Portland weather has been perfect lately, just in time for the end of the year and graduation. Since we Reedies have spent many weeks layered with coats and scarves, students and other members of the Reed community might need a refreshing reminder about how to stay safe when the heat hits.
Sunscreen, sunscreen & more sunscreen: What was the last time you exposed your skin to the hot sun? Days? Weeks? More? Regardless of how tan you think you are, sunscreen is essential in preventing immediate sunburn and long-term skin damage. Reapplying frequently, especially after sweating or going in water, prevents you from looking like a crimson-colored lobster.
Water is your best friend: Before hitting the front lawn to play frisbee or to just hang out with a good book, grab your reusable water bottle and fill it to the brim. Dehydration during the toasty summer months can lead to headaches and heat exhaustion more quickly than during the winter. This seems obvious, but when you’re out and about in the sunshine it’s easy to forget to sit down and take sip of water. Water will also aid in sunburn recovery!
Keep the sun out: To beat the heat indoors, close curtains and blinds to reduce the amount of heat that passes into your room. Sometimes, closing the windows helps too. Whenever the outside air is hotter than the inside air, opening a window invites heat to creep in.
But most importantly, balance your studies with time for fun because nothing is more beautiful than Portland in the spring!
