The sun is a-shining, the kids are a-playing, and I am definitely a-sweating the heat.
(That’s not just me, right?)
For all the sunshine-y wonderfulness that summer has to offer, sunburn is a very real and all-too-prevalent risk for you and your family.
Scary Stats from the Sun Safety Alliance and Skin Cancer Foundation:
- Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the US
- More than 1.2 million new skin cancer cases are diagnosed every year.
- Just “one blistering sunburn can double a child’s lifetime risk of developing skin cancer”
- Water and snow aren’t the only surfaces that reflect sunlight: concrete and sand also reflect almost all of the sun’s UV rays
- The clouds do not protect you from the harmful rays and you can definitely still get burnt
- “Over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined.”
So what can you do to protect yourself?
Unfortunately, Buster, a trampoline is not enough.
(Any other Arrested Development out there??)
Sun Safety Guidelines:
1) Use sunscreen of (at the very least!) SPF 15 every time you go outdoors. No exceptions! Make sure the sunblock you choose protects against both UVA and UVB rays and reapply consistently and frequently.
2) Do. Not. Use. Tanning. Beds. EVER. (Seriously.)
3) The sun’s rays are at their strongest between 10 AM – 4 PM, so keep that in mind when going outdoors.
4) Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
5) Don’t forget to protect your eyes as well! Wear sunglasses.
6) Oftentimes, people forget to protect your scalp—wear brimmed hats! And if you have shaved/thinning hair, apply sunscreen there too.
7) Go to your doctor/dermatologist for regular body checks. The sooner skin cancer is found, the better.
Peace, love, and health,
Image Sources: Pixabay and Tumblr
