Here are some tips to help you enjoy a safe and fun sunny season.
1-Minute Tip: Find the shade. The sun is at its most powerful between 10am and 4pm, so it is smart to stay in the shade as much as possible during this time.
5-Minute Tip: Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. These help to protect your eyes and face, which are some of the most sun-sensitive areas of the body.
15-Minute Tip: Check your body from head to toe annually to discover any new bumps or moles that might need to be checked by a doctor. Skin cancer can hide in plain sight, so it is good to know what is normal on your body so you can recognize changes.
30-Minute Tip: Apply a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen 30 minutes before spending time outside, and reapply every two hours and after excessive perspiration or swimming. Sunscreen should be at least SPF 15, or SPF 30 or more if you plan to spend an extended time outdoors. Remember this applies to spending time outside in all seasons – not just spring and summer.
This article first appeared in the May 2016 edition of the HealthPerks newsletter.
