Safety Tips for Fun in the Sun

Posted on June 20, 2012 by Penny Brown No Comments

Feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin can be comforting to many, but getting burnt isn’t. Whether you are at work or play, sun safety is vital.

Following these sun safe tips year-round can help prevent serious skin damage – and possibly skin cancer – later.

• Keep in mind the sun is strongest between 10 am and 4 pm.

• Always wear protective clothing when outdoors.

• Wear clothing that is dark and tightly woven for the best protection.

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV blocking sunglasses.

• Remember UV rays bounce off sand, snow, concrete, and water – and the reflecting rays can cause skin damage.

• Do not use sun tanning beds.

• Keep very young children (six months or less) out of the sun.

• Sunscreens need to be applied liberally and evenly over all exposed areas.

• Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher whenever you are outdoors.

• For children, the Sun Safety Alliance follows the guidance of the American Academy of Dermatology that recommends sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher.

• Apply sunscreen before going outdoors and reapply often.

• Reapply sunscreen after swimming, perspiring, and toweling off.

• Do not forget to put sunscreen on neck, ears, and lips.

• For people with thin or thinning hair, apply sunscreen to the scalp as well.

• And remember – stay in the shade whenever possible.

Source: www.osha.gov  Provided by AGH’s WellnessWorks program