With summer in full swing, we thought we would take a moment to remind everyone about best practices when it comes to keeping you and your family safe in the hot summer sun. Everyone here at Daggett Shuler enjoys outdoor activities – especially David! – but when out in the sun all day, you need to be sure to protect yourself.
Always wear sunscreen. New research shows a growing number of young women (those under 30) are suffering from skin cancer as a result of extended sun exposure in their effort to maintain a tan. Studies show that people who regularly and consistently slather on a broad-spectrum sunscreen, one that protects from both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF rating from 15 to 50 are less likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours. Sunscreens stop protecting you after two hours on your skin. Keep an extra tube in your purse or beach bag to reapply, especially after playing in the pool or ocean. Remember, though the label may say otherwise, there is no such thing as waterproof!
Limit the time you spend in direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day. If you are going to the pool or the beach, sit under an umbrella or in the shade.
Keep kids in the shade – as much as possible! Keep in mind that the sun exposure or over-exposure that children get can follow them for the rest of their lives. Keep small children covered in kid-approved sunscreen and in the shade. Hats and UV-protectant clothing in addition to sunscreen are great options for those kids that cannot be confined to the shade.