Stay Safe in the Sun
Summertime means fun under the sun. But when the mercury rises, be careful not to let sunburn spoil the day.
Protect your skin
Sunlight contains two kinds of UV rays:
- UVA increases the risk of skin cancer, skin aging, and other skin diseases.
- UVB causes sunburn and can lead to skin cancer.
Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30.
Protect your eyes
Sunglasses are like sunscreen for your eyes and protect against damage that can occur from UV rays.
Be sure to wear sunglasses with labels that indicate that they absorb at least 90 percent of UV sunlight.
Stay cool
Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly, but these beverages exacerbate the sun’s effects on your body.
Click here for tips on staying cool and responding to heat-related illness.