Spending Time In The Sun? Know The Facts
UV rays are strongest between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. Reflective surfaces (water, cement, and sand) increase your chances of getting burned by the sun’s rays.
You are just as likely to get too much sun on a cloudy or hazy day as you are on a sunny one. UV rays are strong enough to burn your skin even on cloudy days.
Sun safety tips:
Cover up with clothing to protect exposed skin. A long-sleeved shirt and long pants with a tight weave are best.
Wear a wide brimmed hat and wrap around sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
Seek shade, especially during the midday hours of 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.
In addition to sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, apply lip balm with an SPF factor.
Avoid tanning salons.
Use Bug Repellent
The best defense against mosquito and tick bites is applying insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient (CDC recommends DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus). Follow the directions on the package and reapply to your skin and clothing as directed.
Want to keep the bugs away? Bite prevention facts and tips:
West Nile virus (WNV) risk increases during the summer and fall, as the virus is most commonly spread by a bite from an infected mosquito.
Mosquitoes that spread WNV are most active at dusk and dawn. Plan indoor activities during peak mosquito hours or wear repellent and long sleeves and pants while outside.
Ticks are often found in long grass and brush. Use a repellent to keep ticks off and best to wear long pants, long sleeves and socks.
Use sunscreen and insect repellent when outdoors to protect your skin from sun exposure and insect bites. In general, the recommendation is to apply sunscreen first, followed by repellent. You can also apply insect repellent to your clothing, rather than directly to your skin.
Always check yourself and children thoroughly for ticks after you have been outside. When you’re outside with a pet, be sure to check your animal for ticks too.
(Source: www.cdc.gov)
[Cav's Note: Before heading out into the sun, check out these highly recommened Sunscreens and Summer Protection skin care products.]
