Summer is here!

Did you know that skin can burn in just 15 minutes in the summer sun?

Staying in the shade is an effective way to reduce sun exposure. You can use trees or built shade structures, or bring your own umbrella to the park, beach, etc.! Whatever you use for shade, make sure it casts a dark shadow.

Though being in the shade it is still recommended that you use other protection - such as clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. 

What you need to know about sunscreen

• Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF 30+ (or higher) – SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays.
• Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors.
• Apply every two hours afterwards.
• Apply sunscreen liberally – at least a teaspoon for each limb, front and back of the body and half a teaspoon for the face, neck and ears.
• Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen resulting in only 50-80% of the protection stated on the product.
• Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun.

What does SPF and water resistant mean?

• SPF means sun protenction factor and is a measure of how well it protects the skin from sunburn. A 30 SPF sunscreen would provide 30 times the protection of no sunscreen. Sunscreens need to be applied liberally to achieve the SPF protection claimed on the label.
• Water resistant means that it does not come off the skin during swimming or exercise, provided it is not wiped off. The FDA defines water resistant sunscreen as meaning that the SPF level stays effective after 40 minutes in the water. While a label may state a sunscreen is '4 hours water resistant', sunscreen still needs to be applied every two hours to maintain the same level of protection and if you are taking a dip regularly you also need to reapply. 

What to think about when choosing your new hat?

• A hat with at least a 2- to 3-inch brim all around is ideal because it protects areas that are often exposed to intense sun, such as the ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp.
• A dark, non-reflective underside to the brim can also help lower the amount of UV rays reaching the face from reflective surfaces such as water.
• Choose a hat made with closely woven fabric – if you can see through it, UV radiation will get through. 
• If you don’t have a good hat available, you can make one by wearing a large handkerchief or bandana under a cap.
• Hats may not protect you from reflected UV radiation, so also wear sunglasses and sunscreen. 

How do you know that your sunglasses are UV-blocking?

UV-blocking sunglasses are important for protecting the delicate skin around the eyes, as well as the eyes themselves, so here are a few tips before buying new ones.

• The ideal sunglasses should block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
• There will most likely be a label on the glasses stating they protect against UV rays – if in doubt ask an optician.*
• Darker glasses are not necessarily better because UV protection comes from an invisible chemical in or applied to the lenses, not from the color or darkness of the lenses. 
• Sunglasses should be worn outside during daylight hours.
• Sunglasses are as important for children as they are for adults. 

*The standards may differentiate from country to country why you should check up on local recommendations before you go.

Warm climate

If the climate is warm enough to make you perspire more than usual, you may need to change your pouch more frequently. Make sure your skin is completely dry before you apply a new pouch for good adhesion. It can be a bit tricky if the weather is very hot and humid – if drying your skin is difficult, you can use a hairdryer on low heat to dry the area (but be careful that it does not get too hot and keep it at a distance).

Sun lotion

Apply sunscreen after you put on your pouch, as the lotion could affect the baseplate and make it harder to stick. Read about applying sunscreen in the 'use sunscreen' section.

Storage

We recommend that your supplies are stored in a cool place – do not leave your ostomy products e.g. in the car for long periods during hot weather, since the heat may damage the baseplate adhesive.

Talk to your stoma nurse – and get the products you need

When spending time in a warmer climate you might need a few more products than usually. For some people a skin barrier that helps the adhesive stick better can be very helpful. Using a belt can also be very good for some people, and if it is the edges not sticking properly an elastic barrier can be a possible solution.

It is always a good idea to talk to your stoma nurse before going if you have any questions. You are also welcome to contact one of our call specialists at 0800 917 8641. 

What should you wear for beach- and swimwear?

The most important is that you wear something that makes you feel good – feel as you. Some people does not mind showing their bag when going to the beach, whereas some prefer covering up. Do what makes you feel the best.

When buying your swimwear the best piece of advice we can give you is to try before you buy. Unfortunately, buying specialty swimwear is no guarantee of a good fit. On the other hand, you might be able to find regular swimwear that fits your need perfectly. For example, you might want to look at a one-piece bathing suit with detailing or patterns across the stomach area to cover up the pouch.

On the beach, a sarong or wrap can be a great way to gracefully cover up without feeling out of place.

And if you would like to wear a bikini – you should do so.

Swimming

Always make sure that the baseplate sticks properly before going swimming – give it some time after applying. Be aware that the water can affect the adhesion negatively, so make sure to change your product more frequently.

For some people it can be helpful to use accessories when going swimming – using a skin barrier that helps the adhesive stick better can be very helpful. Using a belt can also be very good for some people, and if it’s the edges not sticking properly an elastic barrier can be a possible solution.

It is always a good idea to talk to your stoma nurse before going if you have any questions. You are also welcome to contact one of our call specialists at 0800 917 8641. 

When you have bladder issues, you might feel less encouraged to drink a lot of water, because you feel that this increases your problem by having to urinate more often. On the contrary not drinking enough can make your symptoms worse. Instead you should time your intake as well as your bathroom visits to gain better control. Urine that is more concentrated from not drinking enough fluids may contribute to bladder irritability, bladder spasms and may contribute to the growth of bacteria in the urine. When you travel in hot climates or sweat during physical exercise you risk becoming dehydrated, so if travelling to warm climates, remember to drink even more water than usually. 

Often a change in environment and routine, e.g. a holiday affects our digestion - both because we eat new and unfamiliar foods, get exposed to unknown bacteria and often times holiday is a time where we allow ourselves to eat more unhealthy and consume more alcohol. When you have a medical condition it is even more relevant to look at what you put on your plate - here are a few tips:

• Make trade-offs. Accept that you'll indulge during your holiday - everybody does. Just do it strategically. Think about what you most want and plan for it.
• Compensate. If you know that you'll be eating a lot of fatty food at your holiday, compensate by healthy eating before going.  
  
• at consciously. When on holiday you're surrounded by treats - be aware of when you're eating them. If you are going to your favourite restaurant for dinner (and dessert:)), eat a healthy lunch.
  
• Eat slowly. It's good advice year-round, but it's especially important when you are on holiday. It will help the stomach empty better and suppress the appetite.
• Limit alcohol. On its own, alcohol can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. It also lowers your defenses, increasing the chances you'll make bad food choices.
• Move. After the ice cream, don't stretch out on the couch. Instead, go out for a short walk. 

When you travel in hot climates you risk becoming dehydrated. Most people should try for 1.5-2 liters of water per day – unless your healthcare provider says otherwise, and if it's hot outside you need to drink even more water. 

Water commandments

• Make sure to drink enough water (avoid too much caffeine and sweet drinks).
• If you are not sure about the quality of the drinking water, buy bottled water.
• You may also need to be careful with ice, fruits and vegetables depending on where you are traveling
• Keep a water bottle handy so you can take frequent sips of water.

How do you know if you've consumed enough water? One way to gauge your hydration level is to look at the color of your urine. If you're well-hydrated, it will probably be pale and you'll be urinating more frequently.

Alcohol have a diuretic effect on the body meaning that it is causing more urine to be produced. Thus alcohol increases your chances of dehydrating, why it is wise to limit your alcohol consumption – especially in a warm climate. In a hot climate, your body already needs more water than usual, so alcohol will only add to a risk of dehydrating.