July is UV Safety Month
Summer is here! With everyone spending more and more time outside in summer, it is important to remember UV rays are stronger during the spring and summer months. Follow these 5 tips to help keep you and your family safe from the sun.
STAY IN THE SHADE
You can reduce your risk of sun damage and skin cancer by staying in the shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter. The sun’s UV is at it’s strongest between 10am-4pm.
WEAR UV PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Clothes provide different levels of UV protection. When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts, which can provide the most protection from UV rays. If wearing this type of clothing isn’t practical, try to wear a T-shirt or a beach cover-up. Dark colors generally provide more protection than light colors. A tightly woven fabric protects better than loosely woven clothing.
WEAR A HAT
Wear a hat that has at least a 2- to 3-inch because it protects areas that are often exposed to intense sun such as your face, ears, and the back of your neck.
WEAR SUNGLASSES
The ideal sunglasses should block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure. Children need smaller version of protective eye wear- do not use toy sunglasses.
WEAR SUNSCREEN
Use a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 30 or higher before you go outside. Always follow the label directions. Remember, sunscreen wears off, especially when sweating, swimming and toweling off! Make sure you are following the directions on the bottle and applying another layer at least every two hours!
Keeping young children safe in the sun
Children will need some special attention when it comes to keeping them safe from the sun’s UV rays, but following these tips will help keep them safe. Children tend to spend more times outdoors in summer and they also tend to burn more easily. Now is the time to start teaching your children the importance of sun protection and how these tips can keep them safe while they are outside playing. When you start getting in the routine of sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses when you head outdoors your children will learn quickly what they need to do to keep them safe while out in the sun.