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It’s the perfect time to to talk about Summer sun safety. Make sure you’re doing all you can to stay safe and healthy while enjoying the season.

Pros and Cons of Sun Exposure

Like everything in life, there are pros and cons to sun exposure too.

Pros:

• Good, natural source of Vitamin D for bone, muscle and immune system support
• Positive effect on mood
• Releases feel-good hormones like serotonin so you feel energized and invigorated

Cons:

• Sunburn
• Sun damage
• Age spots
• Dry, leathery-looking skin
• Saggy skin
• Skin cancer

How to Manage the Dangers of Continued Sun Exposure

• Use a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Generously apply the sunscreen about 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun. At a minimum reapply every 2 hours or sooner if you’ve been sweating or swimming.
• Limit your sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Wear sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and protective clothing.
• Double-check medications with your doctor to see if they make your skin more sensitive to the sun.  

How to Navigate the Best Sunglasses for You

We all know that sunglasses make it easier to see on a bright, sunny day and help ease eyestrain. The proper sunglasses also keep out ultraviolet (UV) rays from causing short- and long-term eye damage. Even a couple of hours in the sun can cause vision problems. People with light-colored eyes are especially vulnerable to damage since their eyes are more susceptible to the sun’s harmful rays.

Here are a few tips on what to look for when shopping for sunglasses.

1. Focus less on how sunglasses look and more on how they protect.  While we all want to look good in our sunglasses, don’t let that be the deciding factor. The most important thing is that they offer 100 percent UV blocking.
2. Go big. The greater the coverage over your eyes, the greater the protection. Choose oversized or wraparound glasses.
3. Color doesn’t matter. Even very dark lenses may not actually block more UV rays.
4. Polarized lenses cut glare and reflection but do not offer UV protection. They are especially helpful at the beach where there’s a lot of reflection off the water or in the winter when the sun reflects off snow.
5. Cost is not a consideration. As mentioned above, the most important feature is 100 percent UV blocking.  Sometimes this can be a less expensive pair.
6. Look for durability. Sunglasses take a beating. They’re shoved into purses, pockets or left in a hot car all day. Choose metal or plastic frames for longer wear.
7. Get a proper fit. They should rest snugly on your ears and nose without pinching, slipping down or falling off.

How to Treat a Sunburn

You don’t always know how badly you’re burned until you’re out of the sun. Fortunately, there are some ways to alleviate the pain at home.  

• Take frequent cool showers (or apply cool compresses). Gently pat yourself dry, leaving a little water on your skin. Moisturize to trap in moisture and ease dryness. Products with aloe vera soothe skin even more.
• Consider taking aspirin or ibuprofen to help reduce redness and discomfort.
• Hydrate. A sunburn draws fluid away from the body and to the skin’s surface. Be sure to drink extra water to prevent dehydration.
• Don’t pop blisters. Blisters offer a layer of protection to help your skin heal and avoid infection.
• Protect your skin while it heals. Indoors wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. Outdoors wear tightly-woven fabrics to block additional sun exposure.
• Seek medical attention if blisters are in large area, you have fever, chills, upset stomach, headache, disorientation, or faintness.

Alternative Ways to Obtain Vitamin D

• Consume fatty fish such as salmon or tuna.
• Eat more mushrooms.
• Add egg yolks and cheese to your diet.
• Eat fortified foods including cereals, oatmeal and orange juice.
• Exercise daily. People who engage in regular activity like walking or cycling have higher levels of Vitamin D.
• Take a Vitamin D supplement.

Other General Tips for Sun Safety Month

• Dress for the weather with loose clothing made of breathable fabric.
• Stay in the shade.
• Stay hydrated with cool drinks.
• Wear sunscreen every day regardless of weather and season. Be sure to check expiration dates and discard out-of-date sunscreen.
• Protect the skin of children.
• Don’t use tanning beds or sun lamps.