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The Sun: A Summertime Blessing and Curse
August 24, 2022 at 08:55 PM EDT
By WeatherBug Sr. Meteorologist, Chad Merrill
Most people are likely squeezing out that last minute weekend getaway to the beach or mountains before the school year begins, but beware that a sunny forecast can be just as threatening as a stormy one.
The sun provides a great source of Vitamin D, which helps build strong bones, but too much of a good thing will lead to sunburn and skin cancer. A lurking danger that is invisible to the naked eye is the sun’s ultraviolet rays. They are always present during the day, whether it’s snowing outside or 120 degrees and cloudless. Protection from these harmful rays is crucial.
A UV index forecast of 3 or higher indicates your skin is at risk for damage from prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the most direct and strongest. A general safety practice is to always apply SPF 15 or higher sunscreen every two hours and to wear tightly woven, light-colored clothing to avoid a sunburn. Especially during those high UV forecast days, seek shade under an umbrella, tree or building as often as possible to avoid exposure to the sun.
A wide brim hat (not a straw hat) and sunglasses will protect shade and protection to your face, ears, eyes and back of your neck. Most sunglasses are UVA and UVB protective, which reduce the risk of cataracts.
One safety caution about sunscreen is to check its expiration date. The Center of Disease Control and Prevention says sunscreen has a shelf life of fewer than three years. Sunscreen that has been in a hot environment such as your car or left outside in the hot sun has a shorter shelf life. Additionally, if you purchase the spray-on sunscreen, make sure to close your eyes tightly before spraying your face or better yet, spray a small portion into your hands, then close your eyes and apply to your face. Sunscreen that gets into your eyes will produce a strong stinging sensation that can lead to eye damage.
By following this basic advice, you can enjoy the outdoors while staying safe in the sun all summer long. Remember, whether it’s Memorial Day or Labor Day weekend or a sunny day at the beginning of ski and snowboarding season, a sunburn can happen. Skin protection is crucial to avoid damage and possibly skin cancer.
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Story Image: The sun is seen during the middle of the day emerging from clouds. (Courtesy of Pixabay.com)
The sun provides a great source of Vitamin D, which helps build strong bones, but too much of a good thing will lead to sunburn and skin cancer. A lurking danger that is invisible to the naked eye is the sun’s ultraviolet rays. They are always present during the day, whether it’s snowing outside or 120 degrees and cloudless. Protection from these harmful rays is crucial.
A UV index forecast of 3 or higher indicates your skin is at risk for damage from prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the most direct and strongest. A general safety practice is to always apply SPF 15 or higher sunscreen every two hours and to wear tightly woven, light-colored clothing to avoid a sunburn. Especially during those high UV forecast days, seek shade under an umbrella, tree or building as often as possible to avoid exposure to the sun.
A wide brim hat (not a straw hat) and sunglasses will protect shade and protection to your face, ears, eyes and back of your neck. Most sunglasses are UVA and UVB protective, which reduce the risk of cataracts.
One safety caution about sunscreen is to check its expiration date. The Center of Disease Control and Prevention says sunscreen has a shelf life of fewer than three years. Sunscreen that has been in a hot environment such as your car or left outside in the hot sun has a shorter shelf life. Additionally, if you purchase the spray-on sunscreen, make sure to close your eyes tightly before spraying your face or better yet, spray a small portion into your hands, then close your eyes and apply to your face. Sunscreen that gets into your eyes will produce a strong stinging sensation that can lead to eye damage.
By following this basic advice, you can enjoy the outdoors while staying safe in the sun all summer long. Remember, whether it’s Memorial Day or Labor Day weekend or a sunny day at the beginning of ski and snowboarding season, a sunburn can happen. Skin protection is crucial to avoid damage and possibly skin cancer.
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Story Image: The sun is seen during the middle of the day emerging from clouds. (Courtesy of Pixabay.com)