Sun Protection
With the earth's depleting ozone layer it's becoming more important than ever to protect yourself from the sun's harmful UV rays. Over exposure can lead to sunburn, premature wrinkles, and skin cancer. And skin cancer is not a joke, it's a very serious issue!
But let's not lock ourselves inside quite yet. We can still enjoy the outdoors safely with a few items to help protect us.
Sunblock
Sunblock is rated with a Sunburn Rating Factor (SPF). This gauges the effectiveness against UVB rays. 30 SPF or higher is recommended and if the label says broad spectrum get it. Broad spectrum sunblock protects against UVA (aging) rays as well as UVB (burning) rays. Sweat/Waterproof sunblock is NOT waterproof and it's recommended to reapply after forty minutes of getting wet.
Tip! Find a sunblock/bug repellent combo to kill two birds with one stone.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are sunblock for your eyes. The same harmful uv rays you're trying to avoid on your skin are also bad for the eyes.
Tip! If you look into a mirror with the sunglasses on and can see your eyes, get darker glasses.
Hats and Clothing
Its not a fashion statement. There are reasons that dessert dwellers wear long sleeve garments with some type of head wrap. One of those reasons is sun protection. Long sleeve, light, loose shirts will protect your arms and wide brim hats will help protect your head, the back of your neck, and face.
Tip! Trucker caps with the mesh top and back don't work.
Also See: How To Prevent Heat Illness
So remember: Sunburns hurt, the golden girls aren't attractive and cancer sucks. Protect yourself.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S. than new cases of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer combined. One of 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
-Environmental Protection Agency
