Be Safe in the Sun
Summer months filled with sunny days at the pool is the stuff school vacations are made of. But getting sunburned is no fun. Sunburns can ruin a vacation. Even a few serious sunburns as a child can increase your risk of getting skin cancer. Here are a few tips for keeping yourself, and your children, safe in the sun this summer!
- When possible, avoid being in direct sun between 10 am and 4 pm when it is strongest and most likely to burn. Find a shady spot, use an umbrella, or stay inside.
- Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and UVA/UVB protection at least 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure.
- Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours while in the sun or water – even if the bottle states it’s “waterproof.”
- Don’t forget to apply sunscreen even if the sun isn’t bright. You can get sunburned even on cool, cloudy or hazy days.
- Wear sunglasses with 100 percent UVA/UVB protection to prevent cataract formation later in life.
- Wear a broad-brimmed hat while out in the sun to protect your scalp, face, ears, and neck.
- For extra protection, cover up by wearing clothing with SPF ratings. Tightly woven dark clothing also offers protection against sun damage.
- Shield infants under the age of 6 months from the sun’s damaging rays, as they are too young for sunscreen.
- Stay hydrated. Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. (Caution: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot.)
Keep that healthy glow year round by protecting your skin this summer!
