With summer comes warmer weather and fun in the sun activities such as hiking, swimming and barbecuing. Although the sun is a great source of Vitamin D, which helps keeps our teeth and bones healthy, overexposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause serious damage to your body and can even lead to skin cancer.
Keep yourself and your family safe in the sun this summer with these tips:
- Seek shade under a tree, umbrella or shelter to reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer.
- When possible, wear protective clothing such as a hat, a long-sleeve shirt or a beach cover-up while outside. Darker colors and clothes made of tightly woven fabrics provide the best protection.
- Wear sunglasses while outdoors to protect your eyes from both UVA and UVB rays and to reduce your risk of cataracts. If you are looking for the best protection for your eyes, try wrap-around sunglasses.
- Always wear at least SPF 15 sunscreen before going outside, even if it is cloudy. The higher the SPF, the more protection you will get. Be sure to re-apply every couple hours, especially if you are swimming or sweating.