It's National Sun Safety Week!

Debbie’s Daily Dose of Food for Thought

We all enjoy spending more time outside when the sun is shining and the weather is oh-so-perfect. It brings the song “Walking on Sunshine” to mind.

"I’m walking on sunshine (whoa, oh),                  

I’m walking on sunshine (whoa, oh),                   

I’m walking on sunshine (whoa, oh)                    

And don’t it feel good” –Kimberly Rew

However, whether you like to garden, walk, play a sport, go boating, head to the beach or just enjoy sitting outside taking in the beauty of nature, it’s important to protect your skin from too much sun. The Sun Safety Alliance offers this suggestion, “Block the Sun, Not the Fun” and these guidelines to take care of your skin.

When the Sun is Strongest

Stay in the shade as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, even on cloudy days. Children tend to be outside three times longer than adults so it is extremely important to apply sunscreen to their exposed skin.

Protect Your Eyes

Buy and wear sunglasses that indicate 99 to 100 percent blockage of UV rays or “UV absorption up to 400nm.” Dark lenses do not automatically provide this protection.

Avoiding Skin Cancer

“Over exposure to the sun’s harmful rays can result in sunburns which increase your risk of developing skin cancer.” The National Weather Service and EPA issue a UV Index forecast every afternoon. If you will be outside for a long time, check it out and plan accordingly.

Using Insect Repellents?

Sunscreen SPF is reduced up to 33 percent by insect repellents. Use a higher SPF sunscreen when you need to use an insect repellents.

Make It a Year-Round Practice

Sunburn can happen anytime of the year. Use sunscreen and protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts and pants as much as possible.

For more information, visit the Sun Safety Alliance at www.sunsafetyalliance.org.