The heat is on, and summer is shifting into gear. Now that the weather is warm and inviting, people are starting to enjoy their days out in the sun. Whether you’re going fishing, going to the beach, or just enjoying some time on your patio, make sure that you practice sun safety in the coming months.
Practice safe sun this summer! Here are some quick and easy tips on how to best protect yourself from the potentially harmful rays of the sun:
Choose the Right Sunscreen
When choosing a sunscreen, the options you have may be overwhelming. There are dozens of different brands, all with different numbers attached. Once you know what to look for, though, picking out the right protection for you and your family will be much easier.
Get the right SPF: “SPF” stands for Sun Protection Factor – specifically protection against UVB rays. Here’s the simple calculation associated with SPF: the time it takes you to burn without any sunscreen multiplied by the SPF of the sunscreen you use is your new ‘burn time.’ For example, if you normally burn in 10 minutes without protection, wearing an SPF 15 sunscreen will allow you 150 minutes in the sun before you burn. Most professionals recommend using at least an SPF of 30.
Look for extra protection: Having the right SPF is crucial, but it’s not the only thing that you need to look out for when choosing your sunscreen. Make sure that you pick out a brand that boasts UVA (Ultraviolet A) protection as well.
Check for water resistance: No sunscreen can be totally waterproof, but purchasing one with water resistance will help to ensure that your protection doesn’t come off when you sweat or go for a swim.
If you’re still not sure about which sunscreen is right for you, check out this handy 6 question guide from WebMD. Also remember to apply your sunscreen a few minutes before you go out in the sun, and reapply often, following your product’s directions.
Know What to Wear
In addition to applying sunscreen, you need to wear the right clothing when you are exposed to the sun. if possible, don’t leave the house without:
- A wide brimmed hat
- A cover-up or large t-shirt
- Sunglasses
When choosing your cover-up clothing, remember that the best sun protection comes from items that are tightly woven and dark colored. Also try to use sunglasses that cover your entire eye area. The best protection comes from those glasses that cover you from your eyebrows to your cheekbones and from temple to temple.
Examine Your Skin
Everyone needs to help ensure that their skin is healthy. Take advantage of your health insurance with a yearly trip to a primary care physician, and make sure that you also go to see a dermatologist for an annual check-up.
In addition to seeing a dermatologist once a year, you need to perform monthly self-checks on your skin. Know your “ABCDs of moles” and see a dermatologist if you notice that a mole has any one of the following characteristics:
- Asymmetrical: Is there a mole that is oddly shaped?
- Border: Does a mole have an irregular or undefined border?
- Color: Does a mole have uneven coloring, or multiple colors?
- Diameter: Is a mole larger than a pencil’s eraser, or is it growing over time?
Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we are looking forward to having a little fun in the sun this summer, and we hope that these tips will help you and your loved ones practice sun safety. And remember – if you have any questions about your health insurance coverage, just call 877-550-0025 to speak to one of our insurance experts!
