7 Steps to Protect Yourself from the Winter Sun

 

 

What are the outdoor activities you did last summer? Maybe you went on vacation to the beach. Maybe you've spent some time playing your favorite sports such as baseball, golf, tennis. Maybe you went swimming or had a backyard barbecue with family and friends. Whatever outdoor activities you did during the summer, most likely you were aware that it was important to protect yourself from the sun while outdoors.

Now that winter is approaching. I turn my attention to my store summer items to make room for those winter long sleeve shirts for short sleeves, pants corduroy for shorts, sandals and boots. Most sports equipment I use will store well. But what about those items I used to protect myself from the sun? Things like my sunscreens, sunglasses and sun hats and protective clothing.

You may put these items away and do not use them during the winter. The National Council for Prevention of skin cancer reported in its January 2003 report research shows only 3 percent of Americans regularly 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. Colder temperatures do not block UV rays and glare from snow and higher altitudes can make matters worse. You can even cause significant damage to long term by not properly protect you.

How do you protect yourself from the winter sun (or any other season)? 

Follow these simple steps for sun safety action recommended by the U.S. Agency for Environmental Protectio:

1. Time in the midday sun- The sun's rays are strongest 10:00 to 4:00 p.m. possible, limit exposure to the sun during these hours.

2. Wear a hat- a hat with a wide brim offers good protection against the sun for the eyes, ears, face and the back of your neck- areas particularly prone to overexposure to the sun.

3. Cover Up - Wearing tightly woven , loose clothing, and the length is a good way to protect your skin against the sun's UV rays.

4. Wear sunglasses that block 99-100% of UV sunglasses that provide 99-100% UVA and UVB protection will greatly reduce sun exposure that can lead to cataracts and other eye damage. Check the label when buying sunglasses.

5. Always use a sunscreen- Apply sunscreen with broad spectrum sun protection factor ( SPF) of at least 15 or higher liberally on exposed skin. Reapply every 2 hours or after working, swimming, playing or exercising outdoors. Even waterproof sunscreen can come off when you wipe, sweat, or spend extended periods of time in the water.

6. Avoid sunlamps and tanning salons - the light source of sunbeds and sunlamps damages the skin and unprotected eyes.  It is a good idea to avoid artificial sources of UV light.

7. Monitor UV Index- The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities to avoid overexposure to the sun. Developed by the National Weather Service (NWS) and EPA, the UV Index is issued daily in selected through the U.S. cities.

I'll keep my sun protective items to use this winter. I trust that you will do the same so that you can enjoy the outdoors while in the cold, on ice or snow . Have a great and safe winter!