“Summertime and the living is easy.” In these lazy days of summer when you are on vacation, spending time at the pool, or biking and hiking with family and friends, nothing can spoil your fun in the sun faster than a sun burn.

Did you rarely get sunburned when you were younger but now you get it more often? No, it’s not that you have changed. It’s because the ozone layer around the earth is getting thinner. It lets more of the harmful UV light through.

So protecting yourself from the sun is more important than ever! And there is much you can do to enjoy some time in the sun without getting burned.

Stay in the Shade

Stay inside, or at least in the shade, during the middle of the day! That’s when UV rays are most harmful.

Use Sunscreens All Year Round

UV rays are harmful in all seasons and all weather. At the beach, you burn with a nice cool breeze just as easily as in the stifling heat.

The “How To’s” of Sunscreens (From the article “It’s Summer—Time for Fun in the Sun!” by Regine Harford at Good Health Rewards[k1] .)

Buy:  

            Buy sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

            Make sure it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

            Pick the type that works best for you: creams, gels, wipes, sprays, and sticks are available.

Apply:

            Put the sunscreen on 30 minutes before going out in the sun.

            Use it, even when it’s cool outside or cloudy.

            Apply it generously—use more than you think you need!

Reapply:

            Take sunscreen with you wherever you go.

            Put more sunscreen on throughout the day.

            Reapply it right after getting wet or exercising.

Cover Up with Clothes, a Hat, and Sun Glasses

Pack a long-sleeved T-shirt, knee-length shorts, or a beach cover-up to wear  for at least part of the time you are in the sun. Make sure your head and neck are covered as they are most vulnerable to cancer. This is the place and time for those outrageous colorful hats. Also, sunglasses don’t just add style to your summer outfit, they protect your eyes. So don’t forget to get a pair of cool UVA/UVB blocking shades for you and the children to wear in the sun.

Make a Timely Exit

Have a plan of action for your time in the sun. Always take extra sunscreen, a hat, and some long clothes with you. Move to a shady place before you feel you’re getting to much sun!

Have a Plan B! When the first person “turns pink,” get everyone out of the sun.  A sunburn

takes time to develop. Today’s pink may develop- over night into a painful sunburn.

Follow these helpful ideas and you will insure your time in the sun is fun.