One of the simplest things to keep you cool and healthy this summer is to wear a hat. Whether you’re out for a walk, watching a baseball game in the park, or just spending time in the yard, a hat is good for all occasions. There are five major health benefits 
to wearing hats in the summertime:
- Eye Health
Wearing a cap with a brim helps to protect your eyes from the sun. The damaging effects of sunlight have been linked to corneal sunburn, cataracts and macular degeneration. Keeping your eyes shaded helps to prevent over-exposure to sunlight.
- Skin Health
The best way to avoid sunburn is to stay in the shade. By wearing a hat you can keep your face and neck protected without having to worry about oily sunscreen. Hats with wider brims, such as straw hats and cowboy hats, give more shade.
- Scalp and Hair Health
That’s right, prolonged exposure to sun may have an adverse effect on your hair. Ultraviolet radiation can cause your hair to become dry and brittle and may cause it to lose color. Your scalp can also get sunburned and heat-damaged.
- Protection from Cancer
Skin cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in the U.S. Preventing skin cancer can be as easy as keeping your skin covered. In the summer, that means wearing light, loose-fitting garments and a hat.
- Prevent Heat Stroke
Heat stroke happens when your body reaches a dangerous core temperature of 104 degrees or higher. This medical emergency can result in organ damage and even death. In addition to staying hydrated, wearing lightweight clothing and sunscreen, putting on a hat can help to prevent heat stroke.
The next time you are outside longer than five minutes, wear a hat. Hats are a simple, affordable way to stay healthy. And who knows, you may just start a fashion trend.
