Sidewalks, Sunburn, and Your Evening Walk: The Tampa Trap
By Franklin Everett ShawTampa evenings offer a sweet escape from the scorching Florida sun, but don’t let the slightly cooler temperatures fool you. The sun’s rays can still pack a punch, and the humidity lingers, making evening walks a potential recipe for sunburn and heat exhaustion if you’re not careful. This isn’t just about comfort; it’s about protecting your health.
Let’s dive into how Tampa residents can enjoy their evening strolls safely.
First, clothing is your first line of defense. Forget those flimsy cotton t-shirts; they become heavy and clingy with sweat, offering minimal sun protection.
Instead, opt for UPF-rated clothing.
UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor, indicates how much UV radiation a fabric blocks. Look for a UPF of 30 or higher.
You can find UPF clothing at stores like Academy Sports + Outdoors on Dale Mabry Highway or REI near International Plaza. Brands like Columbia and Coolibar are readily available and offer a range of styles.
Long sleeves and pants might seem counterintuitive in the Tampa heat, but lightweight, breathable UPF options exist. Consider a long-sleeved fishing shirt; they’re designed for hot, sunny conditions and often feature ventilation.
Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat. A baseball cap only protects your face, leaving your ears and neck vulnerable. A wide-brimmed hat, available at Target on Gandy Boulevard, provides all-around protection.
Sunglasses are crucial. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Brands like Costa Del Mar, popular among Tampa Bay anglers, offer excellent protection and can be found at West Marine on Gandy Boulevard.
Hydration is paramount. Dehydration exacerbates the effects of heat and sun exposure.
Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Carry a water bottle with you and sip regularly throughout your walk.
Consider electrolyte drinks. They replenish the salts and minerals you lose through sweat. Gatorade and Powerade are readily available at any Publix in Tampa, but look for lower-sugar options or electrolyte tablets to add to your water.
Pre-hydrate before you even step out the door. Drink a large glass of water or electrolyte drink about 30 minutes before your walk.
Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol before and during your walk. They can dehydrate you.
Timing is everything. The later you walk, the less intense the sun’s rays will be.
Aim for walks after sunset, but be mindful of visibility. Wear reflective clothing or carry a flashlight to ensure you’re visible to cars and cyclists.
Check the UV index forecast before heading out. Even on cloudy days, UV radiation can penetrate the clouds. The EPA’s website provides a daily UV index forecast for Tampa.
Avoid walking during peak heat hours, even in the evening. The hottest part of the day in Tampa can extend into the early evening, especially during the summer months.
Choose your route wisely. Opt for shaded areas, such as parks with tree cover or neighborhoods with mature trees lining the streets. Bayshore Boulevard offers stunning views, but it’s largely unshaded. Consider walking along the shaded side of the street or choosing a different route altogether.
Listen to your body. If you start to feel dizzy, nauseous, or weak, stop walking immediately and find a cool place to rest.
Seek medical attention if your symptoms don’t improve quickly. Heat exhaustion can quickly escalate to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition.
Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and muscle cramps. Heatstroke symptoms include a high body temperature (104°F or higher), confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
If you suspect someone is experiencing heatstroke, call 911 immediately. While waiting for help to arrive, move the person to a cool place, remove excess clothing, and try to cool them down with water or ice packs.
Tampa General Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital are both equipped to handle heat-related emergencies. Familiarize yourself with their locations and contact information.
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County offers resources and information on heat safety. Their website provides tips on preventing heat-related illnesses and information on local cooling centers.
Common mistakes Tampa residents make include underestimating the sun’s intensity, not drinking enough water, and wearing inappropriate clothing.
Many people think that because it’s evening, they don’t need to worry about sun protection. This is a dangerous misconception.
Another common mistake is relying solely on sunscreen. Sunscreen is important, but it’s not a substitute for protective clothing and shade.
Applying sunscreen incorrectly is also a problem. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it liberally 15-30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re sweating or swimming.
Don’t forget to protect your lips. Use a lip balm with SPF.
Remember, enjoying Tampa’s beautiful evenings requires a proactive approach to sun and heat protection. By following these tips, you can stay safe and healthy while enjoying your evening walks.