Things are heating up! As temperatures peak and countless fun days are spent outdoors, we have some safety tips for you that expand outside the home and into the yard, park, or wherever your outdoor adventures may take you. Since even just a few sunburns can be extremely harmful long term, here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to sun safety:
- Thirty minutes prior to sun exposure, apply a minimum of SPF 15 (SPF 30 is better).
- Apply sunscreen thoroughly and generously, and help children so that they’re completely covered. Don’t forget hands, feet, ears and lips (look for lip balms with SPF)!
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours, and choose waterproof sunscreen if you’re going in the water.
- Limit time in the sun between 10am and 4pm, when sun rays are strongest.
- Be sure to wear sunglasses that have 100% UV protection.
- Don’t underestimate cloudy days! It’s very easy to get burned, even when you think the sun isn’t strong. Follow the same sunscreen rules even when it’s cloudy.
- Cover up with dark clothes, hats, and seek shade whenever possible.
- Check medications to make sure they don’t increase sun sensitivity. No matter the medication, it never hurts to ask.
Stock up on sunscreen, and have fun in the sun!