The days of summer are ahead of us, and many of us take this as a great opportunity to soak up the rays. Whether we choose to sunbathe abroad on our vacation or in our backyard, we must remember to stay safe when out in the sun. Summer sunshine can cause skin damage and can even lead to melanomas, skin cancer, and sunburn. Check out these sun safety tips to use this summer.
Start indoors. Apply a lotion with at least SPF15 on the skin at least 15 minutes before going outdoors. This will allow the sunscreen to be fully absorbed into the skin and will activate before you are out in the sun. Apply before getting dressed so that you don't miss any skin. Pay particular attention to the tops of the shoulders, nose, ears, and forehead, as these are areas where will get the most sun.
Avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. This is when the sun rays are at their strongest and most lethal. If you can avoid going out in the sun at this time (and stop the kids going out in it, too), you're already helping protect yourself against those rays.
Reapply sunscreen often. Always top up your sunscreen every couple of hours to ensure you are receiving maximum protection. Always reapply after sweating and getting wet. Since water acts like a hall of mirrors for UV rays, you're more likely to get burnt while in the water rather than out, especially if you haven't reapplied the sunscreen.
Wear the right clothing. To protect yourself from the harmful rays, opt to choose loose and comfortable clothing. Aim to wear long-sleeved tops and long and loose pants. A wide-brim hat and sunglasses are also necessary, too.
Stay hydrated. When out and about in the sunshine, we sweat more, naturally. Staying hydrated is one of the most important ways to prevent sunstroke. Keep a bottle of water handy and ensure your family has one each, too. You can also benefit from water-rich foods, such as watermelon, tomatoes, celery, and other fruit and vegetables.
From the insurance professionals at Jack Stone Insurance Agency, we hope that you and your family enjoy the sun safely! For all of your insurance policies in Antioch, Brentwood, and neighboring cities, contact us today.
