heyhey this is coming from someone who’s lived in the (redacted location) desert for their whole life :3

the heat has been picking up EVERYWHERE lately, wether it be hot enough 2 fry an egg on the sidewalk or just make u sweat a lil more, its not fun!!! so i’m here as a professional sand specialist to help YOU beat the heat!!!

my first and most important rule is:

DON’T MESS WITH THE SUN!!!

it sounds silly, but you do NOT want to underestimate the power of the sun.  it’s a very deadly laser, even with the ozone layer! you can get slight sunburn at the least, and melanoma skin cancer at the worst (trust me you dont want it).

don’t risk your safety for that tan! that brings me to #2,

WEAR SUNSCREEN! PLEASE!

this is also VERY important and fits into rule #1, most professionals ask for at LEAST 30 spf (sun protection factor) on your sunscreen. this reduces your risk for sunburn and skin cancer! it isn’t just about the heat, its also about the radiation!

bringing myself to #3, which is

KNOW YOUR LIMITS!

this rule is centered around heat sickness and heat stroke! heat stroke is LIFE THREATENING, and can kill you! i repeat,

HEAT STROKE CAN, AND WILL, KILL YOU!

PLEASE never stay out in the sun for too long. if you begin to feel sleepy, nauseous, sweaty, cramping, or general weakness- those are the beginning symptoms of heat sickness!!

GO TO A SHADED SPOT IMMEDIATELY! drink cool water and put it on your skin! the back of your neck, forehead, palms/wrists, and soles of your feet/ankles helps! go to air conditioning or a fan if possible! COOL YOUR BODY DOWN!

if you begin to have a headache, confusion, faintness, red skin, more nausea, or a rapid and strong pulse- GO TO A HOSPITAL! thats HEAT STROKE!!! heat stroke can give you permanent injuries, as well as brain damage!!

please be careful! if youre going outside, rule #4 is

BE PREPARED!

bring PLENTY of water/electrolyte drinks, snacks, and even a personal fan! make sure your electronics are charged!

i recommend a parasol/umbrella for shade too (they also look cool)!! bring loose and light LONG SLEEVE clothing!

contrary to popular belief, tanktops and shorts are not ideal for going outside in the sun! its just more skin to burn! not to mention mosquitos ew

cotton is a good choice, a loose blouse or button-up shirt and long pants is perfect! cover your skin! wear a hat!!!

ALWAYS know where you're going if you’re hiking! STICK TO THE TRAIL! it’s very startling the sheer amount of tourists who get stranded without food or water on the mountains here! DON’T BE LIKE THEM!!! let your friends/family know where youre going and what routes youre taking too!!

this concludes my rambles about the sun and the heat, as always

BE SAFE!!!

happy summer!!! stay safe and cool!!!!

- gabriel