Sunny dangers in the Oberland: How to properly protect yourself from UV rays!

Sunny dangers in the Oberland: How to properly protect yourself from UV rays!

The sun shines over the Oberland and that attracts many people outside. High temperatures make outdoor leisure time a popular choice, but this love of the sun also brings with it great danger, like that German Weather Service (DWD) warns. An alarmingly high UV index of 8 to 10 is forecast for today and tomorrow - a signal that should simply be heeded. Staying at higher altitudes, such as the Zugspitze, poses immense risks, as you can get sunburnt in just two minutes.

Young sun worshipers and families who enjoy the outdoors should take the DWD's recommendations seriously. A sun hat, sunproof clothing, good sunglasses and not forgetting sunscreen are the be-all and end-all for a safe day outdoors. It is also advisable to spend the midday hours in the shade, when the rays are strongest.

The dangers of UV radiation

What exactly makes UV radiation so dangerous? Loud DWD Ultraviolet radiation has increased biological effectiveness, which can not only cause sunburns, but can also have more serious health consequences. This ranges from a deterioration in the immune system to long-term damage such as skin cancer. What's particularly alarming is that skin cancer rates have increased rapidly over the last 40 years, particularly among younger people. The number of new malignant melanomas doubles every ten years. This increase is largely due to the change in leisure behavior, which associates deeply tanned skin with being healthy.

Another frightening fact is that exposure to UV radiation can have negative health consequences even without visible sunburns. According to the DGUV Skin diseases caused by natural UV radiation have been recognized as occupational diseases since 2015, with over 38,617 recognized cases by 2022. Climate change is exacerbating this issue as fewer cloudy days lead to increased UV exposure. An increase in low ozone events also contributes to the risk of unexpectedly high UV exposure.

Bavarian water rescue service urges caution

In addition to the warnings from the DWD, the Bavarian Water Rescue Service draws attention to the dangers of jumping into cold water. The state chairman Thomas Huber appeals to bathing fun lovers to cool down carefully in order to avoid the risk of circulatory collapse due to sudden temperature changes. Temperature shock can easily occur, especially on hot days when many people want to jump into the cool water.

Given this information, it is more than just advisable to protect yourself and take care of your own health. Whether you're enjoying activities in the mountains or relaxing at the lake, knowing how to deal with the sun is crucial to enjoying a safe and carefree summer. So, dear sun worshipers: take good care of yourselves!