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It may be time to have fun in the sun but beware of the deadly ultraviolet (UV) rays that come with the sunny weather.

Although the sun’s UV rays are dangerous throughout the year, it is even more important during the summer with higher temperatures available. Certain activities such as sunbathing, swimming or even walking without protective clothes can contribute to sun related illnesses such as sunburn and skin cancer.

Those that tend to be more susceptible to the harmful UV rays include small children and elderly. When taking the kiddos to the park, make sure they have the right clothing on and limit their time outdoors. Additionally, six months or younger should not be exposed to direct sunlight and should be properly clothed when travelling outdoors.

Here’s some additional tips to stay protected when the sun is blaring:

UV Index- Before going outside, especially on a sunny day, check your local UV Index. This information can be easily assessed via the WeatherBug app. UV indices higher than a three will require protection from the sun.
Tanning- Intentionally tanning in the sun is not recommended and should be avoided as it may lead to sunburn, premature skin aging and/or skin cancer.
Seek Shade- It should be of no surprise that one of the best ways to avoid the sun rays is the shade! Seek out parks or activities that provide a good amount of cover especially on a sunny day.
Sunscreen- Sunscreen strengths vary depending on the UV index on a given day. The important thing to know is that any sunscreen that provides a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher from UV-A and UV-B rays are perfect. Remember to apply generously at least 15 minutes before going outdoors to maximize protection.
Protective Clothing- It may be hot outside but choosing a long-sleeved shirt will go a long way in protecting your skin. Additionally, a hat that shields your head and your face plus polarized sunglasses make for a perfect match in staying shielded from the harmful rays.
Beach Safety- Being at the beach or pool can also be dangerous for sun rays reflecting off the water and sandy surfaces onto your skin. This can lead to sunburn if overexposure takes place.
Vitamin D- A healthy dose of sunlight is okay so that your body absorbs Vitamin D naturally. However, it is not recommended that you be overexposed to the rays because this can kill healthy skin cells or worse. The healthier and safer alternative is to receive your vitamins through food and/or supplements.

Hopefully the tips and tricks above will go a long way in keeping you and the family safe from the harmful UV Rays this year!

Source(s): Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Weather Service (NWS)

(Image provided by Pixabay.com)

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UV Radiation Safety