Safe Sun

Wearing a hat with approximately a 2-3 inch brim around the head is ideal. A hat that covers the face and neck and prevents direct exposure to this area is ideal. A hat with dark, tightly woven material can best protect from UV exposure.

We are now comfortably in the summer months where we should be somewhat wary of the sun. However, it’s still good to have a refresher mid-season just to make sure that you aren’t letting safety go by the wayside.

Avoiding the sun completely is not only unfeasible but a complete waste of the summer months. Instead, limiting exposure to UV rays with a variety of steps can allow you to enjoy your time outside without the risk of sun damage.

Sun exposure can add up day after day, so it’s important that you be aware of the sun at times when you don’t necessarily think about it. Walking home from work, dinner on the patio or watching your child’s soccer game, are all instances where you may be unknowingly exposed to the sun.

Sitting in the shade is one of the easiest and most effective way to limit direct UV exposure. Avoid being outdoors between the hours of 11am and 3pm, when UV rays are at their strongest. Be careful particularly when around water or in cloudy weather, because you can receive a burn quickly in both cases.

However, if you are going to be in the direct sun, a good rule of thumb is “Slip! Slop! Slap! And Wrap”.

1.     Slip on a shirt

Protect your skin with clothing. Use comfortable, lightweight, light colour clothing that has a UV protection factor (UPF).

2.     Slop on some sunscreen

An SPF value is the level of protection the sunscreen provides against UVB rays. When applying an SPF 20 sunscreen, you get the equivalent of one minute of UVB rays for each 20 minutes that you spend in the sun. Using the proper amount of sunscreen is vital to gaining all the protection you believe you are getting.  Make sure that your reapply, particularly when you are spending time in the water. The higher the SPF value, the higher the protection but it does not eliminate all exposure completely. No sunscreen protects you entirely. Make sure that the sunscreen has not expired and reapplication every 2 hours will help with protection.

3.     Slap on a hat

4.     Wrap on sunglasses to protect your eyes

Choosing sunglasses that have UV protection can help protect your skin around your eyes and your eyes themselves. Exposure to the sun without protection can increase the risk of developing certain eye diseases.

Resources

http://www.cancer.org/healthy/besafeinthesun/index