While summer days may seem carefree, filled with sunshine and outdoor activities, there are a few simple things you can do to ensure a safe summer. In other words, be sun smart. That means sunscreen, sunglasses, and safety.
Sunscreen: Any time you are outdoors in the sun should be preceded by the application of sunscreen that provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Apply it half an hour before heading out and reapply regularly, especially if you’re in the water or perspire heavily. Even an overcast day can lead to sunburn because over three-quarters of the sun’s rays can penetrate light clouds, mist and fog.
Sunscreen products are now showing up with ever-higher SPF ratings. But is an SPF 90 really much better than a 30? Three times better? In short: no, not three times better.
The SPF number refers to the ability of a sunscreen to block ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which cause sunburns, but not UVA rays, which are more closely linked to deeper skin damage. And it’s not a consumer-friendly number. An SPF 15 product blocks about 94 per cent of UVB rays; an SPF 30 product blocks 97 per cent of UVB rays; and an SPF 45 product blocks about 98 per cent of rays. Sunscreens with higher SPF ratings block slightly more UVB rays, but none offers 100 per cent protection.
Sunglasses: Good protection for your eyes is not about what you paid. Indeed, that inexpensive pair could be as good or better as the high-end designer pair. What matters is the lenses’ ability to block UVA and UVB. Look for glasses that block 100 per cent of UV rays. And yes, bigger is better. A larger lens provides more coverage including from the side. What about polarized lenses? They do a great job to cut glare but are not necessarily blocking UV light.
Safety: Staying safe in the heat is more than sunscreen and eye protection. One key is to stay hydrated by drinking cool beverages (preferably water) whatever your level of activity – don’t wait until you are thirsty. On the hottest days, keep cool by spending at least several hours a day in a cool location. Dress for the weather by wearing loose, light-weight clothing. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
A major concern during very hot periods is for people who cannot or do not go out regularly, or can’t get to a cool location. Check in on people living alone who may be at high risk of heat related illness. If you find someone feeling unwell, move them to a cool, shady spot, help them get hydrated and call for medical assistance if required.
Being smart about the sun and hot temperatures is mostly about good sense, but in our eagerness to enjoy the weather, we can sometimes forget even the obvious things.
