Summer Sun Safety
Summertime is approaching and that means longer days, carefree schedules, sunshine, no school and countless barbecues. As we near this sun-sation season, a topic that should be actively discussed is sun exposure and the simple steps for how to protect yourself. Active conversations regarding the potential hazards to our health due to sun exposure can ensure we are protecting our skin during the hottest months of the year. According to the American Cancer Society there are 5.4 million skin cancers diagnosed per year in the United States. Here are some quick tips to help keep the family cool and safe this summer. -Sunscreen Plan ahead and apply sunscreen before leaving the house. This will help protect you from UVA & UVB rays and give you the best protection against burns. It takes around 15 minutes for sunscreen to absorb into the skin. Look for sunscreens that's broad spectrum and rated SPF 30 or higher. -Hydrate In non-summer months it's a general consensus to drink close to three liters of water per day. This number increases in the hotter months as we lose water through perspiration. Adding extra electrolytes and water rich foods such as fruits and veggies can help keep water at baseline. -Say no to direct exposure When the sun is out and it's hot, we can think shorts, tank tops or clothing that reveals more skin. But choosing clothing like breathable, light clothing that covers more skin can keep us cooler while also giving us more protection. Great fabrics for hot summer days: rayon, linen and cotton. Grab a hat as well! This will help protect your face, ears and neck. Sunglasses with UV protection. -Keep an active eye out While we should all be extra careful with sun exposure there are those that fall in a higher risk category. Children are at a great risk for heat related illnesses. Make sure they are drinking water, wearing clothing protection (sun hat, etc.), reapply sunscreen (6 months or older), limit time in sun.
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Wellness