Sun Safety

Do Not Burn  - Five or more sunburns significantly increases your risk of developing skin cancer.

Avoid Tanning and Tanning Beds - UV light from tanning beds and the sun causes skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using a self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.

Apply Sunscreen - Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin using a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days and after swimming or sweating.

Wear Protective Clothing - Wear protective clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses where possible.

Seek Shade - Seek shade when appropriate remembering that the sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Remember the shadow rule when in the sun: Watch Your Shadow. No shadow, seek shade!

Use Extra Caution Near Water, Snow and Sand - Water, snow and sand reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.

Get Vitamin D Safely - Get vitamin D safely through a diet that includes vitamin supplements and foods fortified with Vitamin D. Dont seek the sun.

Check the UV Index - The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent overexposure to the sun. The UV Index forecast is issued each afternoon by the National Weather Service and EPA.

Exposure Category - LOW - Index # 2 - Wear sun glasses on bright days. In winter, reflection off snow can nearly double UV strength. If you burn easily, cover up and use sun block.

Exposure Category - MODERATE - Index # 3-5 - Take precautions such as covering up and using sunscreen, if you will be outside. Stay in shade near midday when the sun is strongest.

Exposure Category - HIGH - Index # 6-7 - Protection against sunburn is needed. Reduce time in the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Cover up, wear a sun hat and sun glasses, and use sun block.

Exposure Category - VERY HIGH - Index # 8-10 - Take extra precautions. Unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn quickly. Try to avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Otherwise, seek shade, cover up, wear a sun hat and sun glasses and use sun block.

Exposure Category - EXTREME - Index # 11+ - Take all precautions. Unprotected skin can burn in minutes. Beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and will increase UV exposure. Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seek shade, cover up, wear a sun hat and sun glasses and use sun block.

The UV Index is issued daily in selected cities across the U.S., but there is no harm in following these wherever! Hope this helps!

(epa.gov & wallpaperez)

P.S: Save these tips for your summers!