Where's Your Shield?

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Summer is coming to a close and fall is upon us. The living is easy...fishing, playing, beaching and hanging outside is a great feeling. Your mood is revived after a long winter's snore and the oppressive heat of summer's shine. The sunshine on your face makes you smile along with the smell of neighbors' grilling and the sounds of children playing. But this can also be a very dangerous time. Dehydration and heat stroke are primary concerns during summer, but early fall can be deceiving. Moreover, skin problems can be just as deadly.

Spreading the news about skin cancer prevention can sometimes feel like you are being a "Debbie Downer" but nonetheless, it is extremely important and can cause premature death. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), there are a few rules on how to best stay skin healthy while enjoying outdoors:

1. Seek shade, especially during the peak of the day. Using an umbrella, parasol (yes, quite cute!), a tent or other shelter to shield you from the sun at it's highest peak. This will prevent direct sun exposure.

2. Wear protective clothing. Wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants made of tightly woven fabrics can offer the best protection from ultraviolet rays. I know long pants and long sleeved shirts do not sound like summer living, but dependent on the fabric, you may actually stay cooler as well as protect your skin. Of course, dark and thick fabrics offer the best protection, but may not be ideal in the sweltering heat. Choose colored cottons and linens to add a level of sun protection. Additionally, you may want to wash some UVA protection into your clothes with the various products out there now. Most last through 20 washings.

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3. Put a Hat on your head! That's a statement that you hear moms screaming in the winter. But, in the summer and on sunny days, a hat with a wide brim offers protection for your full head region: head, ears, face, and neck. It's shade you can take with you. Avoid hats have holes, like straw hats, and those without a brim (baseball caps) unless you are wearing ample sunscreen. A wide brim canvas hat is one of the best options.

4. Look more than cool with wrap around sunglasses. Most sunglasses that are sold in the United States meet the standard of offering 100% UVA and UVB protection. However, not all wrap around or have thick arms to shield your entire eye region. It is important to protect the sensitive skin around the eyes, but also reduce the risk of cataracts in the eyes. Be sure to wear sunglasses whenever it's even somewhat sunny outside. If you have eyeglass adapters, make sure they meet the same standards.

5. Apply and reapply Sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen that offers at least a 15% sun protective factor (spf 15). The more sensitive or fair your skin, you may need more. Be sure to read the directions for proper application. Do not use expired lotions or sprays. Make sure you reapply as necessary to have continued sun protection. Apply before going outside even on slightly cloudy or cool days. Make sure you apply a thick layer on your skin, including hard to reach areas.

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Take care of your skin...your life may depend on it.