ARTICLES: Sunless Tanning, Sun Exposure, Skin Care, Sunscreen
7 Steps to Protect Yourself from the Winter Sun
What outdoor activities did
you do this past summer? Maybe you went on a vacation
to the beach. Maybe you spent some time playing
your favorite sports such as baseball, golf, or
tennis. Maybe you went swimming or had a barbeque
in the backyard with family and friends. Regardless
of the outdoor activities you did over the summer,
most likely you were aware that it was important
to protect yourself from sun while outdoors. You may be putting these items away and not using them during the winter. The National Council of Skin Cancer Prevention reported in their January 2003 newsletter that research shows only 3 percent of Americans routinely wear sunscreen during the fall months, and only 2 percent during the winter months. However, you can still get a sunburn and snow blindness during these months. The colder temperatures do not block the UV rays and reflections off the snow and higher altitudes can make matters even worse. You may be causing yourself significant, long-term damage by not properly protecting yourself. How do you protect yourself from the winter sun (or any other season)? Follow these simple sun safety action steps recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency: 1. Limit Time in the Midday Sun - The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Whenever possible, limit exposure to the sun during these hours. 2. Wear a Hat - A hat with a wide brim offers good sun protection to your eyes, ears, face, and the back of your neck - areas particularly prone to overexposure to the sun. 3. Cover Up - Wearing tightly woven, loose-fitting, and full-length clothing is a good way to protect your skin from the sun's greatly reduce sun exposure that can lead to cataracts and other eye damage. Check the label when buying sunglasses. 6. Avoid Sunlamps and Tanning Parlors - The light source from sunbeds and sunlamps damages the skin and unprotected eyes. It's a good idea to avoid artificial sources of UV light. 7. Watch for the UV Index - The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent overexposure to the sun. Developed by the National Weather Service (NWS) and EPA, the UV Index is issued daily in selected cities across the United States. I am going to keep my sun protective items out to use this winter. I am trusting that you will do the same so that you can enjoy the outdoors while in the cold, on the ice, or in the snow. Have a terrific and safe winter! About the Author: Roger Carr lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia and is a contributing author to the Sun Clothing, etc. monthly newsletter. Sun Clothing, etc. offers a full line of UPF and SPF rated sun protection swimwear, clothing, hats, cabanas, sunscreen and accessories for the entire family. You can browse the store and sign up for the free newsletter at http://www.sunclothingetc.com |
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