Summer is a great time to be active outdoors, whether you are biking on a wooded trail, jogging through the park, or playing Frisbee at the beach. This summer, head outside for a good dose of Vitamin D from the sun, but also learn to protect yourself from the top three dangers of sun exposure - skin cancer, heat stroke and radiation. You can enjoy the open air in a safe and healthy manner and still avoid the dangers of sun overexposure. Ozone depletion and seasonal weather variations cause different amounts of UV radiation. Look up the UV Index for the day before going out in the sun and take necessary precautions. The National Weather Service calculates the predicted UV Index for the day.
THESE GENERAL TIPS WILL HELP PROTECT YOU FROM THE SUN:
- Avoid activity outside between the hours of 10 am - 4 pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
- Wear sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB with a SPF of 15 or higher.
- If you are swimming or sweating, remember to regularly reapply.
- Wear clothing to protect as much skin as possible. Leave shirts on when jogging and wear a hat. Light colored clothing is best.
- Protect your eyes from skin damage with sunglasses that block 90-100% of UVA and UVB rays.
"The sun shines on all and all alike. It’s not surprising that we feel good when we immerse ourselves in nature." - Jeffrey R. Anderson