[simage=3230,400,y,center]
With the forecast calling for Wednesday to be one of the hottest days we’ve had yet this summer, it’s imperative that area residents protect themselves and their children if they choose to head outdoors for the day. Dr. Jennifer Palmer with Iowa Dermatology in Pella says protection from the sun’s rays goes beyond the application of sunscreen.

“We need to protect our eyes with sunglasses. We also need to wear protective clothing,” says Dr. Palmer. ”Sunscreens are good – but they can’t do everything – so we need to wear good sun-protective clothing: hats, sunglasses, if we can stay in the shade, that’s a good idea. Avoid the middle of the day sun between 10:00 or 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., that’s a good idea to do that.”

Dr. Palmer adds that with kids spending time outside, parents should keep an eye out for symptoms of overexposure to sun and heat.

“If they’re perspiring quite a bit; if their skin starts to turn pink; if they look like they feel uncomfortable – those are all things you might watch for,” says Dr. Palmer. “If they look that way, try and get them out of the sun, into some shade or a cooler area to protect them.”

Highs today are expected in the 90s with the heat index expected well into the 100s.